The North News
Chandigarh, June 23
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has said the state is undergoing what he described as a “historic industrial revolution”, crediting the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government’s progressive policies for the accelerated growth. Speaking at a trade fair jointly organised by HMT Industrial Park and Maya Garden Group late Sunday evening, Cheema outlined a string of reforms aimed at simplifying regulatory hurdles and boosting investor confidence in Punjab’s industrial sector.
Among the key initiatives is the recently launched Fast-track Single Window System, which guarantees project clearances within 45 days. “If approvals are delayed, the system ensures deemed approval and holds officials accountable,” Cheema said.
He also highlighted the introduction of Colour Coded Stamp Paper for registered sale deeds, which now come embedded with Change of Land Use (CLU) approval. “The Single Window System integrates six departments—including Housing, Environment, Forest, and Labour—to streamline the process,” he added.
Responding to longstanding demands from industry, the state has implemented a new policy for clubbing and de-clubbing of plots, allowing for the merger or separation of adjacent land parcels. The government is also preparing to roll out a policy to convert leasehold plots to freehold.
In a significant move aimed at reducing bureaucracy, the requirement for standalone industries to obtain CLU approval in permissible zones has been scrapped.
Cheema said the government had already disbursed industrial incentives worth ₹180 crore in the first two months of the 2025–26 financial year. “We are not only supporting existing enterprises but creating an ecosystem that invites new investment,” he said. Meghraj Garg, Chairman and Managing Director of HMT Group, praised the government’s support, stating that HMT Industrial Park—located in Lalru’s red zone—has become a model for industrial inclusivity and accessibility. “Every type of industry is welcome here, thanks to policy reforms and speedy clearances,” Garg said.
Other prominent figures at the event included HMT Director Sudarshan Singla and Maya Garden Group CMD Satish Jindal.
