The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has proposed a 10-point development agenda to take Punjab to the next level of development and reforms.
This includes promoting brand Punjab to attract investment, kick-starting an industrial revolution for the state, harnessing its potential in agro and agri-processing and adopting sustainable agricultural processes.
Some other measures are tapping religious, healthcare and rural tourism, a revival of sustainable sick units, developing the education and health sectors, reforms in the power sector to make Punjab power surplus in two-three years, implementing an SEZ policy to make land available for industry and clearing impediments for doing business in the state .
The 10-point agenda was presented to deputy chief minister of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal, during an interactive session with the captains of industry from the region recently.
The deputy CM released a report, Punjab Vision 2022, developed by CII listing the aspirations of the people of Punjab.
Badal claimed that the farmer-friendly land acquisition policy with 30% displacement allowance, in addition to the market rate, had made farmers partners in industrial growth and removed a major stumbling block in the growth of industry in Punjab.
Interacting with CII members, he said a new industrial policy for the state would be announced shortly, but only after getting feedback from the industry.
Voicing the concern of the industry regarding the global financial meltdown, Salil Singal, chairman, CII, northern region, mooted a participatory approach for the government to revitialise agri-business and bridge the skill deficit.
Singal highlighted the need to design and develop a shared vision to develop human skills. He also highlighted the effectiveness of CII?s cluster approach, which translated into a saving of Rs 9.5 crore per year.Harpal Singh, deputy chairman, CII northern region, said with the global meltdown, the pivot of power is shifting eastward and that northern India was likely to be a major beneficiary.
Focusing on value addition in the agriculture sector and in non-renewable and nuclear energy, Singh said that Punjab must improve its brand name to attract investment in the state. He also advised industry to rise above, what he called, the subsidy culture and become the state?s partner in growth.