Punjab's new Industrial Policy to be operative from January

Chandigarh, Aug 13 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today constituted a core group under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary R I Singh to study the 'Punjab Industrial Review' report submitted by a 3-member team headed by Consultant UNIDO Dr Isher Judge Ahluwalia.

After studying the report the state government will evolve a consensus on the New Industrial Policy of the state that is likely to be come into force from January next year.

Taking part in the deliberations during a presentation made by Dr Ahluwalia on the report, Mr Badal asked the core group to submit its report by October 15. The document of the core group would be thoroughly deliberated upon by the members of the Infrastructure Council, Large scale Industrial Board, Medium Industrial Board and Small scale Industrial Board.

Thereafter with comments of the core group the report would be referred to the Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Industries and Commerce Minister Manoranjan Kalia. Other members of GoM include Finance and Planning Minister, Agriculture Minister and Housing and Urban Development Minister or their representatives.

The final recommendations of the GoM on the new industrial policy would be brought to the consideration of the Council of Ministers latest by December 31.

The Chief Minister in his meeting with Dr Ahluwalia mentioned that the industry in Punjab had been passing through a difficult time due to locational disadvantage, discriminatory policies of the Union Government which include providing concessions to neighbouring states and global competition.

''We intend to revive the sick industry, existing industry and invite fresh investments in the state'' the CM stated.

Mr Badal reiterated his firm commitment for the infrastructure development in the light of the recommendations made by the UNIDO team and added that the role of the state government in the process of industrial development would be that of a facilitator.

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