Punjab’s Industries and Commerce Minister, Sanjeev Arora on Thursday announced the state government’s plan to establish an independent authority to oversee the maintenance of infrastructure in all focal points and industrial estates across Punjab. The authority aims to address critical issues such as sewerage, roads, lighting, and other essential facilities to support industrial growth.
Speaking at the ‘Rising Punjab – From Suggestions to Solutions’ event in Ludhiana on Thursday, Arora revealed that global consultancy firm Ernst & Young is developing a framework for the authority, with implementation expected soon. The event saw participation from industrialists across Ludhiana, Moga, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, who provided valuable suggestions to shape government policies.
Arora highlighted that Punjab’s focus on easing business operations over the past three and a half years has attracted investments worth Rs 1.14 lakh crore, generating employment for 4.5 lakh people. Key reforms include policies for clubbing and de-clubbing of industrial plots, enabling entrepreneurs to optimize land use, and converting leasehold plots or sheds into freeholds.
The government will also hold regular auctions for vacant plots in focal points to encourage further investment. The Minister announced that a three-day Punjab Investment Summit will be held at ISB Mohali from March 13, 2026.
The summit will bring together industrialists, traders, NRIs, and foreign companies to boost investment in the state. Arora emphasized that the ‘Rising Punjab’ initiative is designed to address industrialists’ concerns promptly, with policies being shaped based on their feedback.
He also directed Industry Department officials to proactively inform industrialists about government schemes to maximize their benefits. Industry Director, Surabhi Malik elaborated on key initiatives, including the One-Time Settlement (OTS) schemes, procedures for applying, and terms for plot restoration.
She also discussed policies for clubbing, de-clubbing, leasehold-to-freehold conversion, and fragmentation/subdivision, along with their respective fee structures. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to supporting industrialists, inviting them to approach him directly with any concerns.
He expressed optimism that the event’s discussions would benefit Punjab’s industrial sector, particularly in Ludhiana. Additional CEO of Invest Punjab Rahul Chaba highlighted recent reforms and introduced the Fast Track Punjab Portal, a digital platform designed to streamline processes for industrialists.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included MLAs Kulwant Sidhu, Madan Lal Bagga, Ashok Parashar Pappi, and Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, alongside senior leader Dr. KNS Kang, Punjab Development Commission Member Vaibhav Maheshwari, Moderator Amit Thapar from Ganga Acrowools, and several distinguished industrialists.
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