CHANDIGARH: Unveiling distinct features of the Punjab Model, PPCC president Navjot Sidhu 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. He listed steps as beloe:
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