AAP govt in Punjab unveils new industrial policy, targets Rs 75,000 crore investment

Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday unveiled the Punjab Industrial Policy-2026 in Ludhiana, setting an ambitious target of attracting Rs 75,000 crore in fresh investments this year and pitching the framework as a major push to position the state as a leading investment destination.

Flanked by state industry minister Sanjeev Arora and business leaders, Mann described the policy as a roadmap to transform Punjab into one of India’s most attractive hubs for industry and manufacturing.

Addressing the gathering, Mann said the framework gives investors greater flexibility in choosing benefits suited to their projects. “The policy is designed to provide long-term stability. For the first time, we are allowing investors to curate their own incentive packages from a menu of 20 different options,” he said.

INDIA’S FIRST 24-SECTOR INDUSTRIAL POLICY

Arora said the new framework is structured around sector-specific strategies aimed at accelerating growth across the state.

“This is India’s first 24 Sectoral Policy,” he said, adding that the government has created a system of 20 different incentives that investors can choose from based on their requirements.

He also announced that companies investing Rs 25 crore and employing at least 50 workers will now be eligible for employment-linked incentives.

FOCUS ON JOB CREATION

The policy places strong emphasis on employment generation, with subsidies designed to encourage industries to hire more workers.

Under the employment subsidy scheme, companies will receive Rs 3,000 per employee, while Rs 4,000 will be given for women, Dalits and persons with disabilities.

Officials said the policy also provides major relief in employment generation subsidy, making it easier for industries to qualify for benefits tied to job creation.

Another key provision is the capital subsidy, being introduced for the first time in Punjab to support industrial investment.

The government also said incentives will be provided on 100 per cent investment made by the state government, a move aimed at encouraging large-scale projects.

‘INDUSTRIALISTS ARE ALSO ANNADATA’

Speaking at the event, Mann said industries that generate large-scale employment play a crucial role in the state’s economy.

“Industrialists who provide employment to lakhs of people are also annadata,” he said.

The chief minister also announced the initiation of Halwara Airport, which will be named after freedom fighter Kartar Singh Sarabha.

He further revealed plans to establish a new large and modern exhibition centre in the region to support trade fairs and industrial events.

Assuring continued support to businesses, Mann said the government would expand facilities for industrialists and traders in the coming months as Punjab seeks to strengthen its position as a major manufacturing and investment destination.

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