Sukhbir promises slew of incentives to industry

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 28

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal today released the 13-point ‘Develop Punjab, give incentive to Punjabis’ programme of the Akali-BSP alliance by way of a slew of incentives, including a new ministry for small industry and traders; 50 per cent reduction in external development charges (EDC) and registry charges; life, health and fire insurance for small traders; and a

pension scheme.

In addition, he promised Rs 5 lakh interest-free loan for new entrepreneurs, power supply at the rate of Rs 5 per unit and establishment of a ‘skill university’ to train required manpower.

Announcing the programme at a meet of the industry and trade here, the SAD president said: “The party is very clear that Punjab can progress to the next level only by giving a fillip to the trade and industry. We must bank on the enterprising spirit of Punjabis by encouraging the home-grown industry and removing any impediment in its growth.”

Stating that this would be the first time in the history of the state that the industrial and trade sector would get an opportunity to frame its own policies, Badal said an advisory board would be set up to frame the policies of the new Ministry for Small Traders and MSME Sector.

He also announced that trade and industry would not have to maintain any books for a turnover of less than Rs 25 lakh.

The SAD president said a ‘Build Punjab’ agency would be set up to regulate the functioning of the real estate sector and issue all clearances within 45 days. The EDC as well as registry charge would be halved to encourage real estate activity. He said the EDC would be charged on a per-square-foot basis upon registry to boost construction activity.

Names 3 new candidates, replaces 1

Sukhbir Badal on Sunday announced Rohit Vohra as the party candidate from Ferozepur, Gur Iqbal S Mahal from Quadian and Rajanbir Singh from Sri Hargobindpur. He replaced party nominee Yunas Mohammad with former minister Nusrat Ali Khan from Malerkotla.

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