Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has announced a significant pledge to support Punjab’s industrial sector, promising electricity at a subsidized rate of Rs 5 per unit. The party also intends to establish a specialized ‘Build Punjab’ department aimed at streamlining and ensuring timely approvals for construction projects across the state.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Badal, addressing an interaction with trade and industry representatives on Friday, highlighted concerns over the current high electricity tariffs, which range from Rs 10 to Rs 12 per unit, rendering industrial operations economically challenging in Punjab. Under an SAD government, power tariffs are slated for reduction, with industrialists also being empowered to establish their own solar power plants, potentially bringing down electricity costs to as low as Rs 1.50 per unit.
Building on the framework of the ‘Invest Punjab’ department established during a previous SAD administration, which facilitated time-bound clearances for new investments, the proposed ‘Build Punjab’ department will be tasked with granting all necessary permissions to builders within a strict one-month timeframe. The party also committed to reducing Change of Land Use (CLU) charges and implementing a transparent approval process for such permits. Furthermore, a one-time settlement scheme is planned to address irregularities in existing colonies.
In parallel, the SAD plans to introduce a new IT policy focused on developing Amritsar and Mohali into prominent IT hubs. This policy would prioritize the promotion of data centres and artificial intelligence (AI) facilities within Punjab, signaling a commitment to technological advancement in the state.
Badal also announced initiatives to support the agricultural sector, including a 75 percent subsidy on the purchase of milch animals. To combat food safety concerns, he stated that Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code would be invoked against individuals involved in milk adulteration.
Regarding governance reforms, the SAD president articulated a philosophy of public trust, proposing the introduction of self-attestation to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and eliminate redundant paperwork. The party aims to make all government permissions available online, thereby enabling citizens to access essential services without needing to visit government offices for routine administrative tasks.
Further addressing the concerns of various stakeholders, Badal promised to take up the issue of the frozen 2.5 percent commission paid to ‘arhtiyas’ (commission agents) during foodgrain procurement. The grievances of small transporters facing demands for four years’ advance tax payments are also to be addressed. Additionally, the party pledged to cease harassment of chemist shop owners and investigate complaints concerning the online sale of habit-forming drugs within Punjab.
Appealing to the representatives of trade and industry, Badal urged them to evaluate the performance of the SAD’s previous ten-year tenure against the subsequent administrations under the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments. He called for their support, characterizing the SAD’s leadership as progressive and capable of delivering rapid development and effective governance, essential for peace and progress in Punjab.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
