Badal seeks industry help for Punjab's progress

Chandigarh, Mar 6 (UNI) Viewing the industry as a partner in progress to take the state forward, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today reiterated his responsibility to gear up the pace of progress in the border state.

Addressing a CII delegation comprising eminent industrialists from the state industry, the Chief Minister invited industry participation in enhancing power generation system and augmenting alternate sources of energy. He also emphasised on industry participation in social welfare to gear up inclusive growth.

Outlining the broad priorities of the CII Northern Region, Mr Rajinder Gupta, Vice Chairman CII Punjab State Council and Managing Director Abhishek Industries Ltd, stressed the need for taking immediate steps in areas of diversification of agriculture with a focus on making it more remunerative for farmers. He shared that the Confederation's initiative of instituting Cotton Awards for highest yield for the farmers in Punjab to sustain high cotton yield.

Mr Gupta also shared some of the other focus areas of CII which include achieving 10 per cent industrial growth, improvement of industrial climiate, upgrading physical infrastructure and e-governance. While speaking on CII's initiative to constitute Institute Manging Committees (IMCs) for Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), he reiterated the confederation's commitment towards skill development and building close industry-institute linkages.

Mr Mahesh C Munjal, former Chairman, CII Punjab State Council and Managing Director, Majestic Auto Ltd, further reiterated that CII and the state government needed to work jointly to develop a strategy for economic development with active participation from the private sector. The state government must focus on research and development to make Punjab a major hub for new products, efficient processes and innovative designing that would lead to better quality and further enhance state exports, he added.

To enhance the competitiveness of the industry with specific reference to the SMEs, Mr Munjal briefed about the CII's initiative of cluster development in the state.

Mr S K Rai, another former Chairman, CII Punjab State Council, presented a report 'Punjab Industry Monitor' to the chief minister.

The report provides an economic overview of the potential industrial sectors in Punjab and the investment opportunities available.

Further apprising the Chief Minister on the subject of employment and employability, Mr Rai said that state initiative and commitment, along with active industry participation was imperative for the development of skills and making youth employable. Industry would partner the state government in developing and conducting the training programes, especially those related to development of industry specific skills, he added.

UNI