Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh, today chaired a strategic review meeting to assess the annual progress and performance of the Department of Industries for the Financial Year 2025-26. The meeting was attended by Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, Secretary Industries; Sh. Pradhuman Singh, Director Industries and other senior officers of the department.
During the meeting, a detailed review of the department’s ongoing initiatives and achievements was undertaken. It was informed that the Department of Industries is presently supporting more than 65,000 Udyam-registered MSMEs in Chandigarh through various policy interventions and facilitation measures aimed at strengthening the industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Union Territory.
Emphasising the need for accelerated economic growth and enhanced ease of doing business, the Chief Secretary issued a series of strict and time-bound directives to the department. He directed the immediate and effective implementation of the Chandigarh Startup Policy, 2025, with a target to recognise 150 startups within the next three months.
He also instructed the department to expedite the empanelment of incubators and ensure the early operationalisation of startup grant disbursement mechanisms. The Chief Secretary further stressed the importance of reducing the Turn Around Time (TAT) for establishing and operationalising businesses in Chandigarh.
In this regard, he directed the department to work towards creation of a Central Digital Repository and streamline the process of issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and regulatory approvals across various departments of the UT Administration to facilitate faster clearances and improved business efficiency.
Reviewing the status of delayed payment disputes under the Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC), the Chief Secretary directed the department to expedite the disposal of pending cases and ensure timely resolution of grievances of MSMEs. It was informed during the meeting that 105 cases have already been resolved during the current financial year.
The Chief Secretary also advised the department to prioritise implementation of interest subvention schemes under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme so that practical financial relief and support reach MSMEs at the grassroots level and help strengthen their day-to-day business operations.
The Department of Industries informed that immediate steps are being initiated for effective implementation of the directions issued during the meeting with the objective of further strengthening the business, industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem in U.T. Chandigarh.