LUDHIANA : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday called upon the industrialists to showcase ‘Brand Punjab’ before the global industry coming to the state for participating in the Invest Punjab Summit on February 23-24.
Interacting with the industrialists during a session organized here today, the Chief Minister said that Punjabis are known world over for their hard work and entrepreneurship skills. He said that Punjabi entrepreneurs have proved their mettle across the globe adding that now the time has come to showcase the vast potential of the state to the world. Bhagwant Mann said that it is the need of hour to make the state an Industrial hub of the country.
The Chief Minister said that he was not here amongst the industrialists to invite them for the summit. He said that rather the industrialists should support the state government and act as hosts to the global captains coming to the summit. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that the day is not far when Punjab will emerge as a frontrunner state in industrial growth.
The Chief Minister said that the state contributes three percent in the national GDP of the country. He said that Punjab is a blessed land which has fertile land and innovative people who can do anything for the country and its people. Bhagwant Mann said that the state is number one in start ups and the entrepreneurs from Punjab have left an indelible imprint in the world economy.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced the new industrial Policy for Punjab to give further impetus to Industry and commerce. He said that this policy has been framed after due consultations with all the stakeholders especially the industrialists. Bhagwant Mann said that any other suggestion in regard to this policy is always welcome adding that the state government will soon introduce colour coding for stamp papers to facilitate the industrialists for early clearance of their new projects.
The Chief Minister said that he had gone to Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai to invite the industrialists to the summit. He said that the industrial honchos in these metros were surprised to note the vast potential of industrial growth in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government these industrialists are now ready to invest in Punjab.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government is making concerted efforts to further strengthen the single window system for facilitating the investors. Bhagwant Mann pointed out that earlier single window service was merely a sham, devoid of any meaningful purpose, which not only demoralized the potential investors but also hampered the industrial development of the state. However, he said that his government has ensured that the single window system works as a real facilitator to the entrepreneurs interested in investing in the state.
The Chief Minister quipped that earlier the industries used to sign MoUs with families in power but ever since he has assumed charge of government the agreements are signed for people of state. He said that earlier the affluent families used to get benefit of these agreements but now Punjabis will enjoy its fruits. Bhagwant Mann said that this is because his government is working untiringly for the well being of every strata of society.
The Chief Minister said that knowing well that power is the catalyst of growth in the engine of the economy, the state has taken a leap forward towards being power surplus after the resuming of coal supply from Pachwara mine. He said that this will ensure that none of the Thermal Power plants will face any sort of coal shortage in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is duty bound to provide uninterrupted and regular supply of power to the industrialists.
The Chief Minister urged the industrialists to make optimum use of this congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture to spread their business. He said that the state government was always open for new ideas and innovations to boost up the industrial growth in Punjab. Bhagwant Mann said that the day is not far away when Punjab will emerge as the industrial hub of the country with the active support of the entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister said that the state government will soon set up 20 dedicated Rural Industrial Hubs across the state. He said that these hubs will be equipped with state of the art infrastructure to facilitate the industrialists in setting up their units. Bhagwant Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation to the industrialists opting for setting up their units in these hubs adding that the state government is fully committed to accelerate industrialist development in Punjab.
The Chief Minister envisioned that the Invest Punjab Summit being organized on February 23-24 will prove to be a milestone in giving a major fillip to industrial growth of the state. He said that the state government has already finalized the arrangements for this mega event. Bhagwant Mann said that the main motive behind giving fillip to industrialization in the state is to reverse the trend of brain drain in the state by opening new vistas of employment for the youth.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government has also started school of eminence in the state. He said that these schools will ensure holistic development of the students studying in these government schools. Bhagwant Mann said that development of students will be ensured as per his interest and schools will groom specialists for the coming future.
Earlier Investment Promotion Minister Anmol Gagan Mann welcomed the dignitaries.
On the occasion Principal Secretary Industries Dilip Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Ravi Bhagat, CEO Invest Punjab KK Yadav, Additional CEO Invest Punjab Dr. Sumeet Jarangal and others were also present.