Kejriwal, Mann launch sectoral committees to reshape Punjab's industrial policy
NEW DELHI: AAP national convener
Arvind Kejriwal
and Punjab chief minister
Bhagwant Mann
on Friday launched 24 sectoral committees aimed at transforming Punjab's industrial governance model. The committees will be responsible for drafting policies for each sector, shifting decision-making power from the bureaucracy to business owners, both large and small.
'Policies will now be made by small and large business owners themselves; the government will implement them,' Kejriwal said at the launch event in Chandigarh. 'True politics of AAP is handing power back to the people — it's about participation, not control.'
Each committee will include MSME representatives, larger businesses, and officials from the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Investment and District Industry Centres.
According to CM Bhagwant Mann, the idea was proposed during government-industry consultations held in September 2023.
No approvals needed for MSMEs up to Rs 125 Cr: Kejriwal
Kejriwal highlighted new measures to ease regulatory hurdles for industries in the state. 'Now, deemed approvals are being granted in 45 days in Punjab, and investments up to Rs 125 crore by MSMEs need no approval at all,' he said.
He claimed that this model represented a break from previous regimes.
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'Earlier, the system in Punjab punished entrepreneurs for their growth — they were threatened and extorted,' he added.
From 'exploitative' past to participatory governance
Describing the transition in phases, Kejriwal said, 'Before 2022 – A corrupt, exploitative system inherited by AAP. 2022–2025 – The reform phase under an honest government. Now – A revolutionary model of governance led by industry.'
'We don't know how to run a textile unit or manufacture sports equipment.
Nor do the officers. But still, politicians take all decisions, and people run around us,' he said. 'That system is now gone.'
Kejriwal urged industry stakeholders not to focus on subsidies. 'Subsidies aren't sustainable. If profit depends on them, the day subsidies stop, so does profit,' he said, calling for innovation and ease of doing business instead.
Industrial bodies asked to submit draft policies by October 2
The sectoral committees are expected to study national and international policies and submit their sector-specific drafts by October 2.
'Make Punjab the most attractive state for investment in each sector. This is a new governance model — the government is stepping back to let people lead,' Kejriwal said.
Mann echoed the sentiment, stating that the AAP government was committed to reversing Punjab's economic decline. 'Previous governments looted Punjab, but the AAP government will realize the dream of making Punjab vibrant again,' he said.
Kejriwal, responding to criticism around delayed approvals, added: 'Some say if you delay approvals, people will come back with bribes, and that's how party funds are raised. But we don't want that. Our only goal is Punjab's development.'
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