Punjab Sets New Benchmark in Industrial Policy — Boldest Moves in 75 Years to Attract Investment, End Red Tape : Arvind Kejriwa
SAS Nagar (Mohali), June 10: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Chief Guest Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday unveiled 12 new initiatives. These initiatives aim to revolutionize industrial growth in the state. They are launching a new era of growth and prosperity for Punjab’s industry under Punjab Udyog Kranti.
Divulging more details, the Chief Guest said that a set of 12 initiatives will revolutionize how industry in Punjab operates, how industry interacts with the Government and how industry can unlock value of its land and become more competitive nationally as well as globally.He said that firstly, the state government would ensure a deemed approval system within 45 days for all applications, stipulating that it would issue all approvals and clearances for setting up or expanding a business in a maximum of 45 working days. This addresses one of the biggest investor concerns—delay and uncertainty. Previously, Arvind Kejriwal said that many clearances had notified timelines of 60 to 120 working days, and actual processing often took even longer, creating unpredictability in project execution.
Now, the Chief Guest said that upon applying for a new business, within seven days the state government will review the application online and inform the applicant about deficiency, if any, the removal of which will ensure they get all approvals within the remaining 45 days. Additionally, he said that the government has also enabled a Deemed Approval system. If the designated authority does not take a decision within the notified timeline, the Fast-track Punjab portal will automatically generate an approval the next day, which holds the same legal validity as a regular clearance.”Arvind Kejriwal asserted that this accountability-backed, system-driven reform makes Punjab a national model in investor facilitation surpassing even the most industrialized states such as Telangana, Karnataka (both Congress governed), Gujarat, Maharasthra (both BJP governed) and Tamil Nadu.
Secondly, the Chief Guest said that the government has launched the Fast-track Punjab portal as a single-window for all approvals.”He said that though previous governments in Punjab had claimed to start a single window system but all of them had proved a sham“However, Arvind Kejriwal said that for the first time in India, Punjab has established a true single window for investors. Under this system, investors can apply, and the state government will clear their approvals from all departments.”
The Chief Guest said that the portal provides end-to-end regulatory clearances for industry, institutional projects, and services sectors, backed by a digitally tracked workflow, auto-escalations, and real-time status updates— ensuring investors never have to “run from pillar to post”. Thirdly, he said that the state government has significantly expanded the scope of the Right to Business Act. Now, if any industrialist is starting a project with an investment up to Rs 125 Crore, they won’t even have to wait for 45 days for approvals. Arvind Kejriwal said that based on the self-declaration of industrialists, the government will give you in-Principle approvals within three days if the project is located in an industrial park but if the project is outside an industrial park, in-principle approvals in 15 days.
The Chief Guest said that these approvals will be valid for 3.5 years in which time industry has to take requisite approvals adding that this will benefit approximately 95% of project proposals in Punjab, including industry, IT units, hospitals, hotels, and educational institutions (excluding infrastructure projects, real estate and housing projects). He said that the state government will bring an amendment to the Right to Business Act in the next assembly session to implement these provisions. Arvind Kejriwal said that in another facility for investors, Punjab is now easing the processes for issuing building plan approvals and structural stability certificate as this used to be hugely time consuming and expensive for investors as they had to run behind only a handful of experts empanelled by government adding that now the state government introducing a self-certification system.
The Chief Guest said that the industrialists can get their building plan approved by any architect and the state government will accept the same. Similarly, he said that the industrialists can get their building stability certificate issued by any qualified civil/structural engineer and the state government will accept the same. Arvind Kejriwal said that there will be no more unnecessary inspections and running behind the government for approvals.
In another succor to the industrialists, the Chief Guest also announced to simplify the norms for issuing fire safety NOC in Punjab making Punjab the most progressive state in this regard across India.He announced that the government is introducing a self-certification system and will accept fire drawings/schemes made by empanelled architects. Arvind Kejriwal stated that the government has revised the validity of Fire NoCs for industries from one year to three to five years, based on risk classification, with only hazardous industries requiring annual NoCs.
The Chief Guest said that out of the 12 initiatives, four initiatives are related to providing transparency in land ownership and unlocking the value of industrial land for the investors. He said that this recognizes that land is scarce and precious in Punjab. Unlocking land value can significantly impact the competitiveness of businesses in Punjab. Arvind Kejriwal stated that this is a first in India. Punjab is launching a digitally delivered Land Feasibility Certificate. *The Circle Revenue Officer (CRO)/Tehsildar issues it within a notified timeline of 15 working days.*
This service verifies land ownership. It also checks land zoning and sitting for an investor. This gives the investor comfort about his or her land ownership. He said that this will also become a foundational clearance. This clearance will enable applying for subsequent approvals. These include environmental and construction permits. Arvind Kejriwal said that Punjab’s new plot sub-division policy makes it easy to divide industrial plots. These can be divided among family members, co-developers, or joint ventures. This gives businesses the flexibility to monetize or redevelop land according to evolving needs.
The Chief Guest said that it will promote efficient land use, encourage Brownfield investment, and simplify asset management for investors. He said, “The process has full digitization with clear timelines, eligibility norms, and safeguards against misuse, ensuring a fair and transparent approach.”Arvind Kejriwal said that another important initiative addresses a long-standing industry demand, allowing conversion of leasehold plots into freehold plots.
The Chief Guest said that the state government will introduce a policy to establish a clear and transparent framework, making this easy to accomplish.He said that this move will significantly enhance land marketability. It eases access to bank loans and finance. It also enables ownership-based expansion or transfer. Arvind Kejriwal announced a landmark initiative. Over Rs 250 crore will be disbursed towards industry incentives. This will occur in just the first quarter of FY 2025–26. This exceeds the cumulative disbursed during the last Congress govt (Rs 53 Cr over 5 years) or Akali-BJP govt (no incentive disbursed).
The Chief Guest said, “The state government is clearing all the backlog of incentives to be paid to investors.” He added, “We have already disbursed Rs 150 crore since April 2025. By the end of this month, we will disburse a total of Rs 250 crore. This will set a record in Punjab’s history.” He mentioned that Punjab has opened up 260 industrial plots for auction across all PSIEC Focal Points. This move ensures that land doesn’t become a constraint for new investors. He added that this landmark step addresses long-pending industry demand for industrial plots. It will give fresh momentum to catalyze project grounding. It will also spur new investments across the state.
Arvind Kejriwal stated that the state government will invest Rs 300 crore in focal point infrastructural upgrades. This will be completed by November 2025. He added that the construction work is already complete. The authorities will upgrade roads, signages, street lights, green belts, and boundary walls to high-quality standards. They will improve cleanliness and sanitation in the next six months.
Similarly, the Chief Guest stated that the government will complete major sewerage and STP-related work by June 2026. He added that the state government will develop and implement an industrial park maintenance model. This model will ensure collaboration between the government and industry for sustained upkeep. He announced the establishment of a robust grievance redressal system. This is on the Fast-track Punjab portal and via a call center. This system will guarantee on-ground implementation and prevent harassment of industries by field officials or other stakeholders.
Arvind Kejriwal emphasized the state government’s commitment to enabling industries to operate in Punjab smoothly. He highlighted the importance of maintaining national and global competitiveness. This, he said, would boost Punjab’s economy and create more employment opportunities.
The Chief Guest envisioned that ‘Punjab Udyog Kranti’ will take Punjab and its industry towards greater heights. It will help realize the vision of Rangla Punjab. He stated that the Fasttrack Portal was launched by the Punjab government. It is led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. This portal marks the beginning of corruption-free industrialization in the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government launched 12 initiatives under Udyog Kranti. These initiatives will end the corrupt regime and era of patronage.
This event is unprecedented in the country’s history. The Chief Guest declared that it has never been witnessed in any part of the country. Arvind Kejriwal said that earthshaking reforms are aimed at boosting industrial growth. He added that those industrialists who have left the state should also come back. They should restart their ventures. He said that the state government is committed to facilitate these industrialists. This support will help them excel in their work. Consequently, they can contribute to the state’s economic progress.
