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Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 18
Industries and Commerce Director DPS Kharbanda today held an interactive session with industrialists and focused on ease of doing business.
Talking to The Tribune, Kharbanda said, “Industry is the backbone of the economy and the state government aims to provide hastle-free working environment. A deadline of 22 working days has been set up by the government and all clearances will be given to industrialists by departments concerned within stipulated time.”
On being asked about poor condition of infrastructure at Focal Points, Kharbanda said, “There is a scheme under which a list of 22 Focal Points has been sent to the Central Government. Of these, five-six Focal Points have been cleared and each will get approximately Rs8-10 crores for development works.”
He said the state government has also arranged funds worth about Rs32 crores for development of Focal Points. He added that the Chief Minister had also announced regarding the same earlier.
While interacting with industrialists, Kharbanda said main aim of the Punjab Government was to provide an atmosphere where ease of doing business was the main priority.
He said industrial and business development policy of the state government has been framed after having deliberations with stakeholders.
He urged industrialists to read the policy and share important aspects with their staff as well. Kharbanda assured that there was no shortage of funds when it comes to boosting industrial growth in the state.
He said, “Earlier, the Deputy Commissioners had powers to sanction projects of up to Rs1 crore, but very soon, they will have powers to clear projects worth up to Rs10 crore. Several projects which were earlier cleared at the headquarter level will be cleared at district level only.”
He said an awareness workshop for all the Deputy Commissioners would be organised on January 21 at the Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh. He added that the session would be chaired by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and presided over by Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh.
Kharbanda added that the Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation and Punjab Financial Corporation have come up with a one-time settlement policy for sick units. He said industrialists can apply till March 31 and to date, around 200 businessmen have applied.