Ludhiana- Senior AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema praised the Punjab government’s implementation of the single-window system for industrial approvals, calling it a game-changer that would lead to an industrial revolution in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Ludhiana on Wednesday, Harpal Cheema was joined by AAP Punjab Trade Wing President Neel Garg and Punjab Trade Commission Chairman Anil Thakur. They elaborated on all 12 aspects of the newly implemented single-window system, thanking Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal for taking this historic decision.
Cheema stated that the AAP government is committed to making Punjab an industrial hub and ensuring the swift resolution of every issue faced by industrialists to promote industrial growth in the state. He explained that under the single-window system, any individual planning to set up an industrial plant in Punjab would receive all necessary approvals within 45 days of application. If approvals are not granted, the application will be automatically approved on the 46th day.
Cheema pointed out that many industrialists were interested in Punjab but were deterred by bureaucratic hurdles. While some demands were addressed over the past three years, the single-window system now eliminates all such obstacles. “No one will face difficulties in setting up industries in Punjab anymore, ” he assured.
He added that while other states claim to have single-window systems, they lack the provision for deemed approval. In Punjab, this has been implemented. If any objections arise within seven days of application, the applicant will be given time to sort the objections and then the concerned department will process the request within 45 days. If the deptt fail, the department head will grant approval. Any negligence by officials in this process will lead to strict action.
For projects up to ₹125 crore, approvals will be granted within just three days. Cheema announced that amendments to the “Right to Business Act” would be introduced in the upcoming assembly session to ensure no issues arise for applicants in the future.
Land feasibility reports will be provided within seven days. Revenue officers will evaluate the suitability of selected land for industrial use and submit a report within seven days, followed by an online visibility report within 15 days.
Cheema also announced a decision to allow leasehold properties to be converted into freehold. Industrialists can now pay the government to convert leased properties into ownership in their name.
For traders, ₹250 crore has been allocated for incentives, of which ₹150 crore has already been disbursed. Cheema highlighted that the previous Congress government provided only ₹53 crore in incentives over five years, while the Akali Dal-BJP government didn’t allocate a single rupee.
Previously, obtaining stability certificates for industrial buildings involved significant running around. Now, architects and engineers selected by the government will handle this. Industrialists only need to submit the plans through this system to receive automatic permissions.
The government also plans to auction 260 vacant industrial plots to enable new industries and has announced ₹300 crore for the renovation of 52 industrial focal points in the state. All related work is expected to be completed by November 2025.
The validity of fire certificates has been extended from one year to three years, ending frequent renewals and associated corruption.
For the first time, Punjab will implement a “Land Use Conversion Policy.” If a plot acquired for a specific purpose is now intended for commercial use, approval for up to 10 types of businesses will be granted.
Cheema expressed confidence that Punjab’s industrial sector would see significant growth, generating millions of job opportunities for the youth. Increased industrial activity will not only create employment but also boost government revenue. “Our goal is to make Punjab a developed, prosperous, and thriving state, and our government is continuously taking historic decisions to achieve this, ” he concluded.