Entrepreneurship is the future of Punjab, Punjabiyat and Punjab Model: PPCC President

Chandigarh, Punjab
22nd January 2022

Entrepreneurship is the future of Punjab, Punjabiyat and Punjab Model: PPCC President

Unveiling distinct features of the Punjab Model, PPCC announced the “Youth, Skilling and Entrepreneurship” program under the new Punjab. The Punjab Model is not a mere election model but a well-researched tailor-made solution-model based on geographical, social and economic factors created for the people of Punjab. Today’s youth give hope to Punjab. They have immense energy and same has been proved through their achievements in India and abroad. Hence, it’s very important to have a holistic road map for creating an enabling environment for youth, skilling, entrepreneurship and sports, so that they don’t have to move to abroad. A one-two point scheme is not required, a multiple pronged approach is the solution, which I am going to unveil today.

Step 1: Industrial Clusters and Food Processing Units
On the lines of S. Manmohan Singh ji’s vision & policy, a cluster based development model is the necessity. Therefore, the first highlight of Entrepreneurship and skill development would be to setting up of 10 Industrial & 13 Food Processing clusters in different parts of Punjab facilitated with relevant and necessary skill training institutions. A cluster is a group of 100’s of similar businesses entities which exist in one area basis on the specific Skills in area, Crop pattern, Soil, Land, Local Knowledge and other factors.

It will not only lead to more employment but will also make the people of Punjab independent, innovative and indefatigable. The proposed setups are as follows:
● ​Mohali: Mohali is the centre of technological advancement and future of of Punjab. Our youth is going to Bangalore and Hyderabad for better business opportunities, nonetheless, we don’t provide them with such opportunities. With setting up advanced IT Hubs & launching StartUp city in Mohali, it is expected to become the Millennial Tech-City and Mohali would become the Silicon Valley of the North India. Further, as ancillary industry using technology, there will be Hitech Metal Cluster & an Advanced Machinery Cluster setups in Mohali.
● ​Ludhiana: Ludhiana is the business centre and of the state of Punjab and is a cash positive city. Using the USP of the city itself, it is proposed to establish Electric Vehicles production clusters; Handloom & Garments Cluster for which Ludhiana is already popular for; Auto tech Cluster; Foundry Cluster; Tools & spare parts. Bicycle and Battery industry already exists in Ludhiana then why can’t electric vehicles can be formed. It is expected that with New EV and Semiconductor Policy, Punjab has potential to become the hub of EV and Semiconductor industries. Punjab govt. will be the first customer of EV scooty’s and give it to our college going girls at interest free, cheap cost and will be environmentally sustainable.
● ​Kapurthala & Batala: Foundry & General Engineering Cluster
● ​Patiala: Cutting Tool Cluster, food processing, Phulkari and jewellery
● ​Malerkotla: furniture and fixtures, footwear and leather
● ​Gobindgarh: automotive related clusters along with steel re-rolling. As per PHD Chamber of commerce, steel industry already exists, automotive components can be built in furtherance to it.

● ​Amritsar: Medical & Tourism Hub; Knitting Cluster. NRI’s travel from abroad for treatment, Govt will facilitate it further. Wherever there’s airport, a SEZ will be developed.

● ​Jalandhar: Surgical (Medical equipments) Cluster, Sports goods. Adampur Airport will be revamped.

● ​Malout: Textiles, Automotive components
● ​Bathinda & Mansa: petrochemicals, oil refinery and foundries
● ​13 Agro-processing clusters (Food Parks) for empowering farmers to become processors & traders.
In Parallel, one must circle back to the core of the Punjab Model based on the agrarian economy of Punjab. With Agriculture, Punjab aces to capture all three models – “Youth, Skilling and Entrepreneurship”. Capitalising on the Agricultural produce of Punjab, other states have generated revenue, employment and progress for themselves and now it’s time for Punjab to stand up for its own people and revolutionise agriculture by being in the Agro Business itself and be self-sufficient for food, food grains, employment and source of income. Therefore, under the Punjab Model, it is proposed that “Agro-processing Centres and Food Parks” would be developed. The area marked for development will be divided on the basis of the crop-cycle suitability for the area/ region and state government. The government will support farmers and empower Co-operatives based on the crop speciality. The key features and food grains of the Food Parks would be:
● ​Wheat & Rice derivatives: Punjab holds tremendous export potential in wheat and rice produce and its derivatives. The White and rice derivatives hold a market cap of about USD 80 million and despite being one of the largest agricultural exporters of wheat & rice in the world, Punjab not even 1% of this market cap for derivatives. The Food Park and Agro Centre will be focussed on these two crops to capitalize it for the people of Punjab.
● ​Ready to eat & Ready to cook: Corns, Rajma, Rice, Poha etc.
● ​Processed fruits & vegetables: fruit juices, sauce etc
● ​Dairy & Bakery products
● ​Fisheries and Poultry

Step 2: Easier business norms and investment in infrastructures

Many attempts have been made to create clusters earlier also. But mere declaration of cluster is not enough. An enabling environment is required. Once Govt. invests private sector follows. China became a super power in 20-30 years by manufacturing.

Hence, PPCC understands that all these endevours to be undertaken would require stepwise guidance and support of the state government rolling out the Punjab Model. For the purpose of which Facilitation and Infrastructure investment shall be set up by Govt under the Punjab Model which would cater to relevant Clusters of their needs. The features of the facilitation centre would be:

● ​Online portal for Single Window System for faceless & time bound clearance/approval/inquires/tax assessments (Change of Land Use; Building plan & Factory Maps). Documents have to be submitted only once and no one need to come again and again to the government offices.
● ​Local clearances at district level (DC’s)
● ​Industries will have option to purchase Cheap power from anywhere in the India through Open-source Power, PSTCL will help transfer it.
● Proper Law & order and International Arbitration Centre for standard Dispute Resolution: Legal disputes are biggest obstacle for business. An effective mechanism for dispute resolution is first demand of businesses. We will make efforts to create International Arbitration Centre, so that disputes can be solved in timely manner. India has only 2 such centres (Bombay & Hyderabad). Singapore has best arbitration & law and order, hence entire world goes there. Similarly, an effective redressal of GST regime would be also addressed and all goonda tax would be abolished.

● ​Export Oriented Zones (EOZs) and Tax incentives for Export oriented units
● ​Dedicated industrial for MSME’s & Youth.

Step 3: Investment in Youth: Home based industry, skilling and sports

Once upon a time, India was one of the most prosperous country in the world because before the 18th century due to the engagement in business/ manufacturing by almost every household. Khadi, Designing etc. Therefore, to mobilize the youth of Punjab to participate in the revolution of Punjab Model and also battle the youth crisis of drugs, the following steps are proposed under the Punjab Model:

● Home-based entrepreneurship policy will be brought for every home who wanted to initiate any kind of business from their home. Anyone can get collateral and interest free loans up to 2 lakhs to open a home-based enterprises like e-commerce, cloud kitchen, marketing, virtual assistance, designing, tutoring, art & craft, etc.

● 23 World class Skilling Centres will be opened on the basis of the abovementioned clusters, in partnership with Industries in the area. For successful implementation of the same, all the stakeholders (education institutes, Government & Industry) will have to come together and achieve the drug free, successful youth goals of Punjab.
The skill centres would train the young bright minds in areas such as Accounting & Bookkeeping courses, Medical Lab technician courses, Mobile, Laptop, Computer& home appliances Repair Training, Plumbing, masonry & electrical training, Bike & Car Mechanics courses, Makeup & beautician courses, communication courses, agriculture and horticulture courses. This would ensure that youth of Punjab is empowered to be self-employable not just within Punjab but trained for life wherever they go.

● 1000 Crore Seed fund for investment in new businesses of youth: Once trained, to achieve levels of innovation and entrepreneurship, the state feels responsible to provide the youth a support structure which will be formed in the form of Rs.1000 Cr Venture Capital Fund by government in partnership with corporates and this Venture Capital is expected to provide Seed funding Support Programme up to 16 lakhs at 6% interest rate for Start-ups especially run by the youth entrepreneurs.

● Yuva Sway Rozgaar Groups to be formed in villages & cities: Group of more than 5 entrepreneurs will be provided with government mentorship, skills, 25% corpus investment, cheap loans and access to market. The businesses opportunities that would be supported under this Program would be: Food Processing (Honey, Jaggery, Biscuits); Manufacturing (Shoe making, Sports Goods, Handloom, Tool & spare parts etc.), IT/ BPO’s, Website designing, Hotels & Travel Agencies; Transport & Logistics; Property Management; Medical & Diagnostics Lab, etc.)

Step 4: Sports- 3 tier Model for holistic development of the Youth

Last but not the least, Punjab has been known for producing one of the best and most competent athletes and sports personalities in the country. Jalandhar, Punjab is the hub of sports infrastructure of India. While entrepreneurship might not be everyone’s competence, Punjab’s youth is definitely driven by sports. In light of that, the Punjab Model learning from the PPCC President himself and his journey as a sportsman, shall enhance sports infrastructure across Punjab and set up large scale academies at 1. Majha, 2. Malwa & 3. Doaba. The Punjab Model’s Sports policy shall have a 3-tier system indicating towards minimizing investments and maximizing returns. The key features of the “Punjab Sports Policy” would include the following:
● Enhance sports infrastructure: Every village in Punjab will be provided with basic sports infrastructure for sports such as Badminton, Kabaddi, Volleyball, Wrestling & Gym.
● One in every 10 villages shall be equipped with basic stadium/ ground facilities for Athletics, Hockey & Football.
● Then for advanced skill and support will have 4 big sports academies in 1 Majha, 2. in Malwa & 3. Doaba in addition to Patiala.
● Punjab Model will give scholarship, food, education & sports equipment sponsorship to deserving players.
● Punjab Model aims to tap young talent under 10 years of age and train them from a young age for advanced skills and professional sportsmanship;
● Organise village competition (Village Olympics): The State Government will host its own Punjab Village Olympics to provide a competitive edge to the participants and prepare them for their competitive sports journey for future.
● 10% Jobs shall be reserved in the government for sporting excellence.
● Focus on Physical education in state across government schools

All these efforts and more will not only create over 5 Lakh Jobs through Urban Employment Guarantee Mission in next 5 years but will also help towards creating deaddiction centres for substance abuse issues of Punjab. The youth shall be provided with the adrenaline of business, sports and growth by PPCC and make them the future leaders of the state. “Youth, Skilling and Entrepreneurship” can change the face of the state. It’s time to be a part of this change and create the future we want the next generation to live in.