Cong promises industry revival

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 9   

The Congress manifesto, released today, had a slew of promises for the industry.

If the Congress is voted to power, it will announce a new industrial policy in the state within 90 days of assuming office, the manifesto says.  “The first priority of the Congress government will be to revive the existing industrial units by resolving their problems,” said Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Vijay Inder Singla, who released the manifesto in Ludhiana.  The manifesto was released simultaneously from other district headquarters too.

The new policy will address all issues and requirements of different industries such as textiles, yarn, hosiery, hand tools, light engineering, cycles and garment said Singla. According to the manifesto, a new land bank will be created for industrial development.

A new policy for industrial clusters in the state will be announced. “Already more than 40 clusters have been identified in the state, but MSMEs are not coming forward as there is no defined policy of the SAD-BJP government in this regard,” said Singla.

For Ludhiana, the manifesto promised a few special incentives. Apart from an industrial exhibition-cum-convention centre, workers’ hostel for migrant labour will be set up in the city. The proposal for a full-fledged airport at Ludhiana will be pursued.

A large number of small household units are operating in mixed land use areas such as Shimlapuri, Basti Jodhewal. The Congress government will develop a focal point for all such units                                            and provide land and other facilities such as common effluent treatment plant with modern amenities in the areas at subsidised rates.

According to the Congress manifesto, the PAU will tie up with the industry for new technology and for products, particularly in agro and food industry.

Cong manifesto highlights

• Industrial Suvidha Centres will be established in all districts under the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Promotion.
• Advance tax will be withdrawn.
• Electricity tariff for the existing and new industry will be frozen at Rs 5 per unit for the next five years.
• Start-ups will be promoted. Any investment made by start-ups will be exempt from payment of all taxes for five years. 
• Special budgetary allocation will be made to improve the existing industrial infrastructure, particularly at the industrial estates and focal points.
• Establishment of hostels for workers of MSMEs will be encouraged. 

Ashu kicks off campaign

MLA from the Ludhiana-West constituency, Bharat Bhushan Ashu on Monday formally started his election campaign after paying his obeisance at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Model Gram. Ashu was felicitated by the gurdwara committee. Speaking on the occasion, Ashu said if the Congress came to power, they would work for the uplift of the youth and wean them from drugs. He said they would not spare those who were involved in the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib.

KD opens election office

The Congress nominee from Gill, Kuldeep Vaid, opened his election office in his constituency. This was his first massive show of strength after the announcement of ticket to him. He appealed to the people of his constituency to strengthen his hands in order to see overall development of the constituency.

Memorandum submitted

Members of the Mahila Congress and the Youth Congress submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner regarding the demonetisation decision of the government. Leena Taparia, president of the Mahila Congress, said it was only the poor who had been affected by demonetisation.