Latest news with #FastTrackPunjabPortal
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mann, Kejriwal lay foundation stone of Rs 78-cr Burlton Park Sports Hub project in Jalandhar
Highlighting the Punjab government's plan to establish ultra-modern sports facilities statewide as a long-term solution to substance abuse and youth disillusionment, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday that 'stadiums in every village will be our answer to drugs'. The former Delhi chief minister and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann laid the foundation stone of the Burlton Park Sports Hub project in Jalandhar, an ambitious project to be developed at a cost of nearly Rs 78 crore. Terming it a 'historic' day, Kejriwal said India's first-of-its-kind multi-sports hub would provide thousands of people with opportunities to get into sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle, signaling a dramatic shift in the fight against drugs toward rebuilding lives through sports. Under the ongoing 'Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh' (War Against Drugs) campaign, the Punjab government is doubling down on its strategy: a crackdown on drug networks and opening up sporting pathways for youth. 'Operation Bulldoze, community cooperation and police broke the drug network, now sports will build the future,' Kejriwal said at the event. 'The state had once led the nation in sports, enterprise and courage, but decades of political mismanagement had allowed drugs to invade every family and village.' Kejriwal spoke about the establishment of new focal points across Punjab and the launch of the 'FastTrack Punjab Portal' to ensure investors receive all necessary approvals within 45 days of the application. Echoing this commitment, Mann noted, 'Jalandhar has produced generations of national athletes, especially in hockey. But that legacy had been tarnished as political apathy and poor governance allowed the drug menace to flourish. We promised a sports hub in 2022, and we are delivering it today.' Mann stated, 'Punjab's youth have unmatched energy and spirit — sports will be the channel through which we redirect that toward glory, not grief.' The chief minister announced that Burlton Park would soon be renamed after a legendary Punjabi sportsperson, erasing its colonial past and rooting it firmly in Punjab's proud identity. Plans were also unveiled for new international cricket stadiums in Jalandhar and Amritsar, following the model of Mullanpur, he said. The Rs 78-crore sports hub is expected to come up within a year, offering state-of-the-art facilities and access to thousands of aspiring athletes. More importantly, it's being positioned as a new front in Punjab's war against drugs — a symbol of hope and renewal. Mann and Kejriwal flagged off a shipment of 25,000 rugby balls to be used for matches in the prestigious 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. They emphasised that it is a matter of great honour for Punjab that rugby balls manufactured by Savi International, a Jalandhar-based company, will be used in an international sporting event of such magnitude. Both the leaders added that the sports industry is playing a vital role in fuelling thousands of jobs and positioning Punjab as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Highlighting the global reputation of Jalandhar's sports industry, the leaders lauded the hardworking, resilient, and visionary manufacturers who have consistently delivered world-class products. They reaffirmed the Punjab government's commitment to giving a strong impetus to this vibrant sector.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Incentives, portal: How Punjab aims to ease business, draw investments
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday unveiled 12 initiatives to help ease of doing business terming these as Punjab Udyog Kranti. They also launched the 'FastTrack Punjab Portal', set up for the purpose. A look at how it will help the people. The initiatives The Punjab Udyog Kranti initiative introduced 12 reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business and unlocking industrial potential. The government has significantly reduced compliance burdens by implementing a deemed approval system. The portal serves as a single-window clearance system, eliminating bureaucratic delays, while the expanded Right to Business Act allows automatic approvals for projects under Rs 200 crore. Additionally, self-certification for building plans and fire safety norms streamlines regulatory processes, making Punjab one of India's most business-friendly states. The initiative also focuses on unlocking land value by introducing a digital Land Feasibility Certificate, expanding land-use categories, and enabling leasehold-to-freehold conversions for industrial plots. To foster growth, Punjab is opening 260 new industrial plots, and investing Rs 300 crore in infrastructure upgrades. By simplifying regulations, modernising approvals, and supporting industries financially, Punjab is positioning itself as a national leader in investment and economic development. Deemed Approval System The Deemed Approval System ensures that all necessary approvals and clearances for setting up or expanding a business are granted within 45 working days. Previously, clearances could take 60 to 120 days, causing uncertainty. Now, applications are reviewed online within 7 days, and if no decision is made within the deadline, approval is automatically generated through the portal. This system will enhance accountability. Fast-track portal Unlike earlier systems where investors had to navigate multiple departments, fast-track Punjab is a single-window portal for regulatory approvals. It provides end-to-end clearances across different sectors with a digitally tracked workflow, auto-escalations, and real-time updates. Right to Business Act The Right to Business Act has been expanded, allowing projects with up to Rs 125 crore in plant and machinery investment (Rs 200 crore including land and buildings) to receive in-principle approvals. If located in an industrial park, approvals are granted within 3 days; if outside, they take 15 days. These remain valid for 3.5 years, benefiting around 95 per cent of new projects, including hospitals, hotels, IT units, and educational institutions. Building plan approvals, fire safety norms The government has introduced self-certification for both building plan approvals and structural stability certificates, eliminating the need to rely on a limited number of government-approved experts. Fire safety norms have also been simplified, allowing architect-prepared fire safety drawings to be accepted. The validity of fire NOCs has been extended from one year to up to five years, reducing compliance costs for businesses. Land Feasibility Certificate The digitally delivered Land Feasibility Certificate, will be issued within 15 working days by revenue officials. This certificate verifies land ownership, zoning, and siting, helping investors navigate subsequent approvals for construction and environmental permits with clarity. The permitted land-use categories have been expanded for industrial plots from 2 to 10, allowing conversion for IT, offices, educational institutes, commercial purposes, and industrial parks. Addition ally, landowners can apply for conversion after 5 years of allotment, increasing flexibility and land value for industrial estates.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Udyog Kranti: Mann, Kejriwal launch portal for 45-day approval to industry
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday launched a set of 12 initiatives as part of 'Punjab Udyog Kranti' to 'revolutionise' industrial growth in state, including ensuring all required approvals to investors within 45 days of filling application, and action against officers and officials concerned in case of any delay. They also launched the 'FastTrack Punjab Portal', set up for the purpose. 'If you want to set up a new project, start a new business, expand your business or diversify business and you apply on the portal, you will get all approvals within 45 days,' said Kejriwal. Kejriwal said many clearances had notified timelines of 60 to 120 working days, and actual processing often took even longer, creating unpredictability in project execution. The AAP national convener said all the concerned departments will inform within seven days of filling an application for a project about any shortcomings in the proposal. Thereafter, no fresh objection can be raised in connection with the proposal. He said thereafter the government would take action against an officer who did not approve the application. 'If you are not given an approval within 45 days, then automatically you will get deemed approval,' Kejriwal said, adding thereafter the state government would take action against the officer concerned who did not approve the application. 'This will be personally monitored by the chief secretary. An officer has to give an explanation if he does not take action within 45 days. Everyone will be on their toes,' he added. 'I understand that it is a historic move,' said Kejriwal, adding this 'accountability-backed, system-driven reform' makes Punjab a national model in investor facilitation surpassing even the most industrialised states such as Telangana, Karnataka (both Congress governed), Gujarat, Maharasthra (both BJP governed) and Tamil Nadu. Kejriwal said in another initiative, Punjab is now easing the processes for issuing building plan approvals and structural stability certificates as this used to be hugely time consuming and expensive for investors. Now the state government is introducing a self-certification system, he informed. Industrialists can get their building plan approved by any architect and the state government will accept the same. Similarly, he said the industrialists can get their building stability certificate issued by any qualified civil or structural engineer and the state government will accept it. There will be no more unnecessary inspections and running behind the government for approvals, he added. He also announced to simplify norms for issuing fire safety non-objectionable certificates (NOCs), saying a self-certification system is being introduced and the fire drawings made by empanelled architects shall be accepted by the government. Validity of fire NOCs for industry has been revised from one year to three to five years on the basis of risk classification with only hazardous industries requiring annual NOC, he said The former delhi chief minister said for the first time in India, Punjab is launching a digitally delivered land feasibility certificate, issued by the Circle Revenue Officer (CRO)/ Tehsildar within a notified timeline of 15 working days. Kejriwal said Punjab's new plot sub-division policy allows easy division of industrial plots among family members, co-developers, or joint ventures, giving businesses the flexibility to monetise or redevelop land according to evolving needs. He said another important initiative addresses a long-standing industry demand, allowing conversion of leasehold plots into freehold plots. He further informed of another landmark initiative in which over Rs 250 crore will be disbursed towards industry incentives. The state government is clearing all the backlog of incentives to be paid to investors, he said, adding that Rs 150 crore has already been disbursed since April 2025. By the end of this month, a total of Rs 250 crore will be disbursed, which will be a record in Punjab's history. He said the state government will invest Rs 300 crore in focal point infrastructural upgrades by November. Kejriwal said 'Punjab Udyog Kranti' will take the state and its industry towards greater heights and realize the vision of 'Rangla Punjab'. Mann said 'FastTrack Punjab Portal' is the backbone of a re-imagined initial governance model. He reiterated that these reforms are the beginning of a movement and not the end. He said till now industrialists were considered as ATMs for elections. Industrialists used to fund the traditional parties for just securing the right to work, so that they do not face any harassment, he said, adding that after assuming power, his government took several initiatives to facilitate the industrialists. He said that Punjab became the first state to launch unique colour coded stamp papers, to facilitate the entrepreneurs for setting up their units. Mann said that any industrialist keen on setting his unit in the state can get this unique colour coded stamp paper from Invest Punjab Portal. He said that industrialists will have to just pay various fees required for getting clearances in form of CLU, forest, pollution, fire and other to set up the unit while purchasing this single stamp paper only. After purchasing the stamp paper, the industrialist will get all the necessary clearances from all the departments within 15 days to set up his unit, he said, adding that several states have approached Punjab government asking for the model to replicate it. Mann said that his government had inherited a system when the industry from the state was fleeing and the industries were fed up with the extortion system that prevailed during the previous regimes. However, Mann said, his government 'restored the faith of industrialists' by providing them an friendly atmosphere coupled with a good law and order situation. He said this is contrary to the situation when during previous regimes the leaders used to seek shares in the ventures. Mann said that earlier the MoUs were signed with the political families in power but now these agreements are signed for progress and prosperity of the state.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Kejriwal, Mann launch ‘FastTrack' portal to spur industrial growth
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched the 'FastTrack Punjab Portal' aimed at ensuring that an investor gets all the required approvals within 45 days of applying to start new businesses, setting up projects and expanding industries in the state. Addressing a gathering during the launch of the portal here, Mann and Kejriwal rolled out 12 initiatives under Punjab Udyog Kranti, branding them as the 'biggest industrial reforms in 75 years.' Mann emphasised that the initiative aims to boost both revenue and employment opportunities. 'We want industrialists to grow and employment to increase. When your revenue rises, you'll set up more industries, creating more jobs. We will fill the treasury and provide jobs,' he stated. Kejriwal said all approvals for an industrial project will be given within 45 days. 'If one does not get approvals within 45 days, then an investor will get deemed approval for his project automatically,' the former Delhi chief minister said. 'If you want to set up a new project, start a new business, expand your business or diversify business and you apply on the 'Invest Punjab Portal', you will get time-bound approvals,' Kejriwal said calling it the 'end of corruption and nepotism. Kejriwal hailed the deemed approval system as a game changer and said: 'Investors will no longer run from pillar to post. Everyone will be on their toes now. The software will ensure action is taken against the one who held up the file.' Kejriwal outlined how accountability is being hardwired into the system. 'Once initial objections are cleared approvals must be given within the stipulated time. If delays occur, the matter will be escalated to the chief secretary level. An internal probe will be then launched to identify the officer responsible for the delay,' he said. Mann shared that the system enables entrepreneurs to pay for all statutory clearances (change of land use (CLU), forest, pollution, fire, etc.) via a single stamp paper. 'Clearances are granted within 15 days through the Invest Punjab Portal,' Mann said. Kejriwal also announced a self-certification system for building plans, structural safety, and fire NOCs—eliminating bottlenecks. 'For the first time, investors can focus on business,' he said. Mann said that the scope of the Right to Business Act has been expanded to cover investments up to ₹125 crore, with in-principle approvals given within 3 to 15 days, depending on location. Kejriwal announced that ₹250 crore in incentives will be disbursed this quarter— five times what the previous Congress government managed in five years. Kejriwal further informed that the state government will invest ₹300 crore in upgrading infrastructure across industrial focal points by November 2025. 'Those who left Punjab due to corruption and harassment must return. We are building a new Punjab—transparent, competitive, and corruption-free,' Kejriwal said. Linking industrialisation to social reform, Mann said, 'We want to hand tiffins to our youth, not syringes. The job creation is a solution to Punjab's drug problem.' BOX Strategic initiatives Unified digital gateway for industry Single entry and exit for all clearances Timeline for approvals capped at 45 days Post 45 days, portal to auto-generate legally valid deemed approval Projects up to ₹125-cr to get approval in 3 days Online self-certification Fire NOC now valid for 1, 3 and 5 years based on risk classification Fire drawings made by empanelled architects to be accepted Height limit of industry buildings increased to 21m 53-point checklist eliminated
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Mann, Kejriwal launch Punjab portal for 45-day approval to industry
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday launched a set of 12 initiatives as part of 'Punjab Udyog Kranti' to 'revolutionise' industrial growth in state, including ensuring all required approvals to investors within 45 days of filling application, and action against officers and officials concerned in case of any delay. They also launched the 'FastTrack Punjab Portal', set up for the purpose. 'If you want to set up a new project, start a new business, expand your business or diversify business and you apply on the portal, you will get all approvals within 45 days,' said Kejriwal. The AAP national convener said all the concerned departments will inform within seven days of filling an application for a project about any shortcomings in the proposal. Thereafter, no fresh objection can be raised in connection with the proposal, he added. 'If you are not given an approval within 45 days, then automatically you will get deemed approval,' Kejriwal said. Mann said that his government had inherited a system when the industries were fed up with extortion system during previous regimes. However, Mann said, his government 'restored the faith of industrialists' by giving them a friendly atmosphere.
