Committed to making state industrial powerhouse, says CM

CHANDIGARH: Asserting his commitment to making Punjab an industrial powerhouse, chief minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said he wanted the state to lead in both, industry and agriculture, to put it on the path to future progress. The chief minister was addressing a virtual daylong brainstorming conference with industry leaders steered by Chandigarh University chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu.

Inviting the industry stalwarts to visit Punjab and gauge for themselves the conducive industrial climate, Amarinder cited the state’s business-friendly policies, seamless connectivity, high-end infrastructure, skilled labour, along with reputed educational institutions offering excellent placement opportunities with focus on skill development as some of the key factors, making it an ideal investment destination.

The meeting saw various leading industry leaders come out with suggestions and concerns on the way forward. Sanjeev Mehta of Hindustan Unilever requested for 12-hour shifts to be allowed for workers and one designated person in the district administration to coordinate with the industry in the eventuality of spike in Covid cases among the employees. He also sought a nodal officer in the government to coordinate for the company’s proposed ₹500 crore investment in the state.

Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar Shah said Punjab had immense opportunity for investing in digital healthcare and systems to create jobs which her company could leverage to create jobs for the youth in the state.

CP Gurnani of Tech Mahindra, whose company is set to start its university in the state next year, requested for innovation hubs in Patiala, Ludhiana and Mohali.

Volvo company’s Vinod Aggarwal sought a clear state policy for the automotive industry and creation of training centres to reduce drop-outs by youth, stating that his company was looking at Punjab as its next investment destination.

Uber’s Pawan Vaish called for early adoption of electric threewheelers, and said his company offered great opportunity for transformation from informal to formal economy.