Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that the industry in state is expanding and reaching new heights as the new industrial and investment policies are acting as magnet for industrialists. He said that several new industrial units are not only coming up in the state but even expanding. "The new unit of Vardhman group in Ludhiana is a slap on those who are jealous of prosperous Punjab. It is only due to pro-industry policies of the Punjab government that Vardhman has invested Rs 200 crore for expanding their new steel mill in Ludhiana," the Deputy CM said.After inaugurating state-of-the-art steel plant of Vardhman group here at Focal Point on Friday, he said that Punjab is the first state in the country to adopt "one stop clearance" by setting up Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion for the investors to setup new industry. Deputy CM said that investment bureau has cleared 180 projects since its inception and all clearances are being provided within a month.
He said that this particular mill of Vardhman group is a result of Invest Punjab Summit organised by the SAD-BJP government. Mr Badal said main aim of Punjab government is to protect and promote the local industry to flourish and bring prosperity to the state.Earlier interacting with industrialists at Modal Town he also announced that very soon, Ludhiana would have ultra modern and economical Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in place of Ludhiana Metro Rail project. He said that it was after consultation with international experts, the Punjab government has now decided to introduce BRTS in place of Metro Rail. He also said that some other states have also shelved the Metro Rail projects and have adopted BRTS.pulging the 'Rahat' scheme launched by the Punjab Government, he appealed to the traders to adopt this unique scheme. He said that the traders, having Rahat Card, would have to file self-declaration on a single page application for registration and could run their trade without keeping record books, and no excise official would inspect their premises, he said. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal also invited the traders to come to Chandigarh next week so that all their grievances could be resolved in the presence of concerned officers.
The Deputy CM said that Punjab has already achieved status of power surplus state and from next year, there won't even be any shortage of coal. "Thermal Plant at Goindwal Sahib is complete and it would start getting power supply shortly as the centre government is formulating a national policy for the same," said the Deputy CM.Taking the administrative reforms a step forward, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal also asserted that by July 2015, more than 249 citizen centric services would be provided online through 2,174 Sewa Kendras being set up in villages and towns and the residents need not have to visit any government office. Stating Punjab would be the first state in the country implementing online services Mr Badal assured that administrative reforms would be completed within next two years to provide hassle free services to the citizens.
While reacting to a query related to conversion of religion by a certain community, the Deputy CM termed it very unfortunate and said that the Police would conduct a detailed inquiry to look into the matter. "If we find any person guilty, strict action would be taken against him," Deputy CM said while addressing a press conference here today.On a question related to Ashutosh Maharaj, the Deputy CM said that the state government would abide by the decision of Punjab & Haryana High Court.While speaking on the occasion, Punjab Industries Minister Mr Madan Mohan Mittal said that Vardhman's new unit is another milestone for the industry as well as the state government. He said that some of their political opponents are criticising the state government for the sake of criticism by claiming that industry is running away from Punjab.While thanking the Punjab Deputy CM for launching investor friendly policies, Mr S P Oswal, Chairman, Vardhman Group, said that the new industrial policy launched by the state is proving a boon to industrialists as well as the Vardhman group. Mr Sachit Jain, Managing Director, Vardhman Special Steels Ltd, said that the industrialists are very happy with the new industrial and investment policies of the state.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Irrigation Minister Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Advisor to CM Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Former Minister Mr Hira Singh Gabria, Deputy Commissioner Mr Rajat Agarwal, Police Commissioner Mr Promod Ban, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mr Pradeep Agarwal, Akali leaders Chaudhary Madan Lal Bagga, Mr Satish Dhanda, BJP district president Mr Parveen Bansal, besides several others.The Deputy CM also inaugurated the 3rd Heavy Industrial Machine Tools Expo at GLADA Grounds, here, which was organised by Association of Ludhiana Machine Tools Industry. Mr Sukhdial Singh, president of the association said that more than 200 exhibitors have displayed 8,000 items in the expo and are expecting business deals of more than Rs 200 crore during four day expo.