Punjab’s Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Investment Promotion, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, conducted a review meeting on Friday evening with senior officials from various departments linked to Invest Punjab. The meeting, held at Udyog Bhawan, lasted nearly three hours. During the session, Minister Sond issued strict instructions to the concerned departments to expedite the overhaul of focal points.
He emphasized that the goal of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government is to enhance industrial investment in Punjab. He stated that unless high-level facilities and amenities are provided to traders and industrialists in industrial areas and focal points, achieving targets would not be possible.
The minister stressed that all focal points in Punjab must be equipped with all necessary facilities at the earliest. He noted that many investors are showing interest in establishing new industries in Punjab but are facing challenges in obtaining approvals from certain departments.
Sond directed that all departments must work in coordination to assist such investors in all processes from acquiring land to obtaining online approvals and setting up industries. He also instructed that if any issue arises at any level, it should be brought to his attention so that it can be resolved with the help of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting the potential of Punjab, especially the scenic areas near Chandigarh, Minister Sond suggested that these regions could be developed for tourism. He also instructed officials to prepare a suitable plan for this purpose. The primary objective of this meeting was to foster better coordination among various departments to ensure that industrialists face no hurdles in obtaining the necessary approvals.
Senior officials from departments such as Industries, Invest Punjab, Rural Development and Panchayats, Tourism, and Cultural Affairs were present at the meeting. The minister reiterated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s team is making every effort to transform Punjab into a “Rangla Punjab".
He mentioned that several industrial houses are showing interest in investing in the state. However, certain issues related to land acquisition for new industries have come to light. He instructed officials to ensure that no industrialist faces any difficulties while investing in Punjab. He also emphasized maintaining seamless coordination among all relevant departments.
Minister Sond noted that new investments would boost the state’s economy and create new employment opportunities. Hence, it is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process for approvals, from acquiring land to establishing industries. He warned that strict action would be taken against officials or employees who deliberately create hurdles in any project.
The meeting was attended by Chairman Dalbir Singh Dhillon, Tejveer Singh (Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department), DPS Kharbanda (CEO, Invest Punjab), Dilraj Singh (Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayats Department), Parmjeet Singh (Director), and other senior officials from various departments.