IN HIS CAPTAIN’S SHADOW
Sunder Sham Arora Age: 60 Education: Matriculate Portfolio: Industries and commerce A two-time MLA, Arora is in Capt Amarinder Singh’s good books. The coloniserturned-politician, who rose through the ranks, handles a department that appears high on the CM’s list of priorities. While Arora handles the industries department, Amarinder deals with industrial investment-related matters as the minister in charge of investment promotion. “The chief minister calls me for all meetings and discussions related to industries,” he says. He remained market committee chairman and district Congress chief for three terms before winning the Hoshiarpur assembly seat in 2012 and 2017.
PROMISES: Power to industry at Rs 5 per unit, fresh incentives, new industrial policy within 90 days, hike in budget allocation, industrial urban corridor between Amritsar and Chandigarh, new industrial clusters, development and maintenance of focal points and industrial estates, simplification of labour laws and removing conditions such as no-objection certificate and change of land use documents for new electricity connection and load enhancement were among the promises made to encourage industry to lift the state’s sagging economy. PERFORMANCE: Rs 5-a-unit electricity, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups and large units and one-time settlement policy for defunct/sick industrial units are among measures taken to boost investment and revive the industry. Budgetary allocation of Rs 1,513 crore made for subsidised electricity to industry, which mainly benefits power-intensive units, in the 2019-20 fiscal despite financial constraints. The actual per unit cost is higher than the promised rate due to variable charges, though.
A total of 305 MoUs for investment of Rs 42,905 crore signed in the first 20 months. Incentives announced in industrial policy have been received well by industry associations. “New investors and existing units with expansion will get full benefits after their projects go into production. The government also needs to be more pro-active,” say industry watchers. Delay in policy approval and their actual implementation have been a matter of concern. The Congress promised to bring the new policy within 90 days, but its government took longer and notifications for fiscal and other incentives were delayed further. Several industrial focal points are lying defunct and need attention.
CONTROVERSIES: Soft-spoken and accessible, he keeps a low profile and has not been involved in any controversy as a minister.
› Besides creating a congenial environment, incentives have been given to new and existing industries. We are getting results with Mandi Gobindgarh being an example. My focus will be on reviving focal points in Batala, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot and other areas.