Traders’ idea for industrial growth: Give panchayat land at cheaper rate

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 21

The local industry has requested the state government to start providing shamlat land lying vacant at reasonable rates for the growth of the industrial sector. Industrialists feel that unavailability of land at a reasonable price has been a hurdle in industrial growth.

Upkar Singh Ahuja, president, Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertaking (CICU), said if we want to transform India into a self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) $5 trillion economy, we have to enhance manufacturing in the country.

“Take example of Taiwan, it is almost double the size of Punjab with a GDP of $3.70 billion (2019) and ranks seventh in Asia and 21st in the world. The industrial base is very weak in the state. It is an opportunity when countries such as Japan are realigning their manufacturing base. If Punjab missed this opportunity, there won’t come a second chance,” said Upkar Singh.

Pankaj Sharma, president, Focal Point Industries, said in spite of regular efforts, the government was not able to attract any big automobile manufacture in the sector.

“Moreover, Ludhiana is a hub for Textile and Garment, no international manufacturers were able to set up units in Punjab. The major reason for this is high cost of land, especially in Ludhiana district whereas in Gujrat, where port is close and logistic cost is low, land is much cheaper”, said Sharma.

Angad Singh from Bigben Exports said the unavailability of land for industry at competitive prices is one of the major hurdles in the growth of industry.

“Take example of Dhanansu Focal Point, where 300 acres of land was acquired for approximately Rs 94 crores. The cost of land came out to be about Rs 647 per sq yard, whereas the PSIEC is planning to sell it at Rs 5,000 per sq yard, which is eight times higher of the original land value. How can we attract the investors like this?,” wondered Angad Singh.

Businessmen maintained that they welcome the setting up a 1,000 acre Modern Industrial Park at Mattewara. But the government needs to provide it at reasonable rates so that even the village youngsters get job opportunities, the roads are well carpeted, the power lines are improved and the industry can grow.

“We have also sent a letter to the Punjab CM, Industries Minister and Finance Minister in this regard”, said Upkar Singh.

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