The Impressive TimesNEW DELHI / PUNJAB, June 10: In a decisive push to revive Punjab’s industrial engine and dismantle the entrenched maze of red tape, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, alongside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, launched the ‘Fast Track Punjab Portal’ in Mohali — a bold digital leap aimed at eliminating corruption and accelerating industrial clearances. Promising single-window approvals within a strict 45-day timeline, the platform is being hailed as a “historic intervention” to restore Punjab’s pride as an economic powerhouse. On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, and several others were present.
During this, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that before the formation of the AAP government in Punjab in 2022, he and Bhagwant Mann met traders and industrialists across major cities and noted their suggestions. “After forming the government, I myself conducted at least 12-13 meetings, while CM Bhagwant Mann also held several. The proposals received through Invest Punjab were studied thoroughly, and several of them were personally followed up by me and CM Bhagwant Mann.”
The AAP Chief gave an example of an industrialist who had applied to set up a factory in Punjab 1.5 to 2 years ago, but did not receive approval. As a result, he shifted to Uttar Pradesh and established his unit there.
Arvind Kejriwal said that to eliminate delays in granting approvals, today’s major announcements were made. The AAP government in Punjab wants people from around the world to invest in the state, but most importantly, it wants Punjabis who have gone outside to return, expand, and diversify their businesses within Punjab. At present, industrialists waste 70-80% of their time navigating government departments. The Punjab government wants to reduce this to just 10% so that entrepreneurs can spend 90% of their time focused on their business. This will lead to their growth and Punjab’s growth.
The AAP Supremo stated that such announcements can only be made by an honest government. If a corrupt government wanted to collect bribes from industrialists, these reforms would never have been declared. “If the government grants automatic deemed approval in 45 days, why would any industrialist need to pay bribes or chase officials?” he said.
He added that the Punjab government’s announcements are a direct attack on entrenched corruption and the politics of protectionism, which the AAP government aims to dismantle completely. “AAP practices a totally different kind of politics. If we abolish fire NOCs and allow self-certification, why would industrialists need to run after us or pay bribes to officers? Only an honest government could have made such announcements. No one else would have dared.”
Arvind Kejriwal said that if any industrialist wants to start a new project, business, expand, or diversify it, they can apply on the Invest Punjab portal, and all approvals will be granted within 45 days. “Industrialists may not believe this because all governments make such promises but never deliver on time. But in AAP’s government, it will happen,” he said. “Usually, whenever an industrialist applies for anything, objections are raised. Even after addressing them, new objections are imposed. This continues until officers are bribed. This system has now been dismantled in Punjab.”
The AAP Head noted that now, within 7 days of applying for a new project, all departments must raise any objections regarding deficiencies in the proposal. No new objections will be allowed after that. Once objections are submitted, no officer will be allowed to raise further ones. All approvals must be granted within 38 days of addressing the objections. Internally, a target of 30 days has been fixed. If approvals are not granted within 30 days, the proposal will be escalated to the Chief Secretary, who will ensure that approvals are granted within the 45-day limit.
Arvind Kejriwal said that if a proposal involves a complex issue and the officer is unsure how to decide, the applicant can directly send the file to the Chief Secretary within 30 days. The Chief Secretary must then issue a decision and approval within the remaining 15 days. If the proposal still does not receive approval within 45 days, it will be considered “Deemed Approved.” The software is designed to automatically generate a letter to the applicant confirming deemed approval. However, the process will not stop there—the government will investigate which officer failed to process the approval in time and why deemed approval had to be granted. An internal inquiry will be conducted, and the officer will be held accountable. All officers are now left with no choice but to act on proposals within 45 days.
Arvind Kejriwal called this a historic step in Indian history. “Such action has never been taken before. Grand promises were made, but no government has ever worked for industry with genuine intent.”
Referring to the Right to Business Act, he said that any person starting a business involving plant and machinery worth up to ₹125 crore—or up to ₹200 crore if land and building are included—will receive all approvals within just 3 days. Under the existing Right to Business Act, MSMEs with a project cost up to ₹125 crore do not need any approvals—they can start operations directly. However, no one has been able to use this provision in Punjab because officers and inspectors did not honour it. Now, the government itself will grant approvals—within 3 days if the project is inside an industrial estate, and within 15 days if outside. All necessary amendments to the law will be made during the upcoming Assembly session.
Arvind Kejriwal said that industrialists will no longer need to file separate applications with various departments for NOCs. All approvals will be provided through a single-window system on the Invest Punjab portal. The government will itself obtain the necessary clearances from all departments. Entrepreneurs will no longer need to get building plans approved, which is one of the most corrupt processes. Without bribes, building plans are not passed. Except for certain hazardous industries under Schedule L-1, for all other projects, a panel of certified architects and civil engineers will be authorised to certify structural stability and building plans—this will be sufficient.
The AAP Supremo highlighted that there will be no need to run after tehsildars for land and site verification. The tehsildar must raise any objection within 7 days, and once objections are resolved, the site verification certificate must be issued within the next 8 days. He announced a major relief: all leasehold plots in Punjab will now be converted to freehold. Those who want to convert their plots can apply and receive freehold certificates.
He added that ₹300 crore has been approved to upgrade infrastructure in 52 focal points across Punjab. This includes roads, sewerage, water supply, and drainage systems.
Arvind Kejriwal acknowledged the shortage of industrial land in Punjab. The government will create new focal points, and over the next year, several large-scale focal points will be developed across the state. “Under no circumstances will there be a shortage of land for industry in Punjab,” he assured. Fire Safety NOCs have been replaced with self-certification, valid for 3 to 5 years. For industrial plot conversions, 10 new categories—including hotels, hospitals, IT offices, and commercial activities—have been added.
“These are truly earth-shaking reforms announced today,” Arvind Kejriwal said. “To implement them, we need the cooperation of our industrialists. Those who left Punjab for other states must return and invest here. We must rebuild a joyful, prosperous Punjab.”
Arvind Kejriwal said that in the 1980s, Punjab ranked No. 1 in per capita income, industrialisation, and agriculture. Today, it has dropped to 17th, 18th, or even 20th place. “This is not the fault of Punjabis. They are known worldwide for their enterprise and entrepreneurial spirit. Yet business is fleeing Punjab—not because of its people, but because of the failure of government policies,” he said.
The AAP National Convenor urged industrialists to continue sharing their suggestions with the government. “We will keep consulting you and acting on your inputs. The AAP government will remove every hurdle that stands in the way of your business. Together, we will make Punjab shine again.”
“FastTrack Punjab” to Deliver All Industrial Approvals Within 45 Days: CM Bhagwant Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday launched the “FastTrack Punjab” portal, asserting that the platform will ensure that all industrial approvals are granted within 45 days. Calling it the backbone of the state’s industrial governance model, he said this marks a new wave of reforms where a pro-business environment is no longer a slogan but a cultural transformation.
“Punjab has always been a land of courageous and entrepreneurial people,” said CM Bhagwant Mann. “Now, the state is fully prepared to lead India’s industrial renaissance with the same spirit. In the last three years, we have initiated several interventions to benefit every section of society. Traditionally, entrepreneurs were treated as mere ATMs for political parties, expected only to fund election campaigns. Now, they will receive the respect and facilitation they deserve.”
Bhagwant Mann highlighted that his government has launched several investor-friendly initiatives, making Punjab the first state to introduce color-coded stamp papers for industrial use. These specialized papers are available through the Invest Punjab portal and can be used to pay for all necessary approvals—CLU, forest, pollution, fire safety, etc.—in one go. Once purchased, all required departmental approvals will be issued within 15 days, reducing bureaucratic delays and boosting investor confidence. Several other states, he added, are now looking to adopt this model.
He further stated that policies are being designed specifically around the needs of the industry. “Every legitimate demand from the industry has been addressed without delay. Our aim is to make Punjab an industrial hub, not a state where businesses flee to other regions. Under previous governments, an extortionist system drove entrepreneurs out. We’ve reversed that by providing a business-friendly atmosphere and restoring the rule of law.”
Bhagwant Mann pointed out that Punjab now offers among the best law and order situations in the country, which is why large-scale industries are returning to the state. “Gone are the days when politicians demanded stakes in enterprises. Earlier, political families struck private deals with businesses. Today, every agreement is for the benefit of Punjab’s growth,” he said. Criticising earlier regimes, he added, “Even the decorative trees meant to welcome investors were uprooted and taken to Badal village. That was the level of selfishness and shortsightedness that prevailed.”
To support industries further, a single-window and single-pen system has been introduced to allow entrepreneurs to operate independently. “Industries create jobs. Jobs drive prosperity. And prosperity drives growth. Unlike earlier times, no one will harass industrialists anymore. Instead, the government will support them with full commitment,” he assured.
The state has also launched initiatives for the protection, promotion, and expansion of existing industrial units. “Industries have played a vital role in India’s socio-economic development and carved a global reputation. Our government is committed to protecting their interests. We want to give our youth tiffin boxes—not drugs. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop, and that’s why we are focusing on employment creation as an antidote to the menace of substance abuse,” Bhagwant Mann said.
Industry Responds Positively to AAP Government’s Reforms
JSW Defence Eyes Expansion in Punjab
JSW Defence’s senior representative Mr. Jaskirat Singh expressed strong interest in expanding operations in Punjab. “We’ve recently supplied vehicles to the Indian Army and are looking to grow further. Punjab’s forward-looking policies have removed long-standing bottlenecks and made it a preferred destination for industrial development,” he said, appreciating the state’s vision for industrial revival.
Netmeds CEO Applauds Single-Window System
Mr. Manipal Dhariwal, CEO and Co-founder of Netmeds, expressed full confidence in Punjab’s new industrial policy. “If implemented properly, the single-window system will be extremely beneficial. The 45-day approval timeline is particularly commendable,” he said, adding that the policy will eliminate many procedural hurdles if followed through in practice.
Saraswati Agrochemicals Highlights Benefits of Deemed Approvals
Mr. Abhi Bansal, Director at Saraswati Agrochemicals, praised the government’s move to eliminate bureaucratic red tape. “The policy introduces a bold mechanism of deemed approvals. This will make doing business much easier and give a major boost to Punjab’s industrial development,” he noted.
Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Welcomes Time-Bound Approval Framework
Mr. Bhavdeep Sardana of Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals congratulated the Punjab Government for launching a time-bound clearance system. “All our suggestions have been incorporated. With various departments now integrated onto a single platform, Punjab is once again poised to become a thriving industrial environment,” he stated.
Arora ADMS Hails One-Time Objection System
Mr. Raminderpal Singh of Arora ADMS Ludhiana praised the government for implementing a “one-time objection” mechanism. “This is a revolutionary step that will completely transform the approval process. It reflects the government’s serious commitment to ease of doing business,” he said.
The collective endorsement by industry leaders reflects growing confidence in Punjab’s emergence as a major industrial hub. With progressive policies, streamlined clearances, and accountable governance, the state is well-positioned to attract significant investment and drive economic growth to new heights.
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