CHANDIGARH: In a major step aimed at giving further fillip to the industrial sector for emerging Punjab as favorite investment destination, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday inaugurated the second phase of the “Fastrack Punjab Portal, ” integrating 173 services under one roof to further streamline industrial facilitation in the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the state’s industrial policy has entered a new era, as Punjab has started a genuine “Single Window with a Single Pen” system signifying transparency and efficiency in governance. He remarked that a pen holds greater power than a stick, as it empowers decision-making and constructive administration. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the concept of deemed approval has also been introduced to enable industries to get timely clearances without unnecessary delays, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to making Punjab an investor-friendly destination.
The Chief Minister shared that 47 services are currently being regulated through the Fastrack Punjab Portal, involving nine departments and said that the pendency of applications has become zero due to effective coordination and monitoring. He added that the state has witnessed a remarkable reverse migration of industries, with new investments worth Rs. 1.40 lakh crore and the creation of nearly five lakh job opportunities across sectors. Bhagwant Singh Mann informed that the government has worked in close coordination with multiple stakeholders to promote ease of doing business.
Emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship, the Chief Minister called upon Punjab’s youth to shed the mindset of being job seekers and rather become job providers by establishing their own enterprises. To support this vision, he said that the government is providing financial assistance, loans and other necessary facilities to budding entrepreneurs. Highlighting the progress in education reforms, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has transformed its education system to instill a positive, confident and progressive mindset among students, preparing them for leadership in various walks of life.
The Chief Minister described businessmen as the second “Annadata” after farmers, noting that both play a pivotal role in sustaining livelihoods and economic growth. He proudly highlighted Punjab’s achievements beyond industry, pointing out that India’s national teams in four major sports Hockey, Cricket, Football, and Basketball are presently captained by Punjabis, reflecting the state’s sporting excellence and leadership spirit. Bhagwant Singh Mann also lauded the resilience of Punjab’s people, noting that despite suffering crop losses across five lakh acres during recent floods, Punjab contributed a record 150 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to the national pool.
Calling Punjab a blessed land where no one goes hungry, the Chief Minister said that the state’s culture of community service seen in langars and volunteer efforts embodies its unmatched humanitarian spirit. He reminded that Punjab has always stood as the fort of India, guarding the nation’s frontiers while remaining a symbol of courage, resilience and unity. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged people to rise above trivial issues and work collectively under visionary leadership for Punjab’s holistic progress.
The Chief Minister said that the Government of Punjab is implementing several new reforms to simplify industrial and business operations and to bring greater transparency across the system. He said that to further enhance ease of doing business, the Punjab Government has approved the Punjab Right to Business (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which will provide significant relief to entrepreneurs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that through these amendments, several pre-construction regulatory approvals have been brought under the ambit of the Act, including Registration of Principal Employer, Registration under the BOCW Act, Factory License, Consent to Establish, Consent to Operate, Stability Certificate and No Objection Certificate for non-forest land.
The Chief Minister said that these amendments have made the process of “Declaration of Intent” much simpler and the entire procedure will now be carried out electronically through the State’s Single Window System. He said that the entrepreneurs starting a new project will be able to submit proof of land ownership or consent, CRO reports, master plan identification, process details, and online fee payments through this portal. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a time-bound mechanism has been introduced for the issuance of the Certificate of In-Principle Approval.