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BUSINESS

well as Flipkart Samarth, to give impetus policy approach to industry, he added. Assuaging the concerns of investors
to the growth of handloom weavers and Stability was a key component of provid- on account of the drugs and cancer prob-
small enterprises in the State. ing an enabling environment for indus- lems in the state, the Chief Minister said
The MSMEs in Punjab has a strong trial growth, he said, hoping that the next his government had initiated a major
presence in light engineering, knitwear, government that takes over in Punjab cleanup of the drugs racket, with thou-
clothing, sports good, pharmacy, auto- also adopts this philosophy. sands of smugglers/peddlers arrested
mobiles, hand tools, leather industry On the issue of air pollution triggered and convicted. While the problem will
and other sectors. Dr Guruprasad Mo- by stubble burning, the Chief Minister not completely disappear, in view of the
hapatra, Secretary in the Department reiterated his stand that the Centre money involved in the business, it would
for Promotion of Industry and Internal would have to pitch in to find a perma- be well under control and manageable,
Trade (DPIIT), said that MSME sector is nent solution to the problem. He would he promised.
the backbone of the Punjab industry and again raise the issue with the Prime
accounts for nearly 60% of the total out- Minister during their next meeting, he n the concerns expressed about
put and around 80% of the total employ- said, adding that if it is made worthwhile the large number of cancer cases
ment in industry in the State. for them, farmers would definitely shift O in the state, Captain Amarinder
Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh from wheat and paddy to other crops, said statistics showed that the figure
went a step farther and on providing just like they had, back in the sixties, was actually lower than in other states.
industry with a safe and stable environ- Punjab’s cancer cases had hit the lime-
ment for growth and investment, he sent light due to the notorious Cancer Train,
out a stern warning to Pakistan, as well as To provide this ease to the he said, adding that his government was
to anti-social elements within the state, providing cancer treatment to patients
against any attempt to destabilize Punjab. MSMEs, the government within the state to prevent them from
“Behave, or else be prepared for the con- of Punjab has also going to Rajasthan or other places for the
sequences,” the Chief Minister warned same.
the neighbouring country, as well as any partnered with HDFC Bank Actually, in its bid to push investment
gangsters or goondas trying to disturb to provide loans to around in the state, the fund-starved Punjab
the peaceful environment of the state. government has taken measures, in-
He observed that “Pakistan has its own 700 MSME beneficiaries, cluding the creation of land banks in
problems, but I won’t let them make their amounting to 1,100 crore. rural areas to boost industrial develop-
problems my problem.” ment. For this, the state government
Steps were also being taken to ensure Under their MoU, the Bank said it would amend Punjab Village
women safety so that women could take Common Land (Regulation) Rules, 1964.
up industrial jobs and do night shifts, is offering special pricing Proposed Amendments in the Factories
woman could call the police for safe for business loans to all Act, Industrial Disputes Act and Contract
transportation back home not only at Labour Act will also be implemented
night but even if she felt threatened or industries in the state to boost employment and industrial
unsafe in any way, any time of the day. development.
The focus was on providing the right Rural Punjab has a vast untapped
environment to investors and industry to moved to paddy cultivation. potential for industrial development.
promote Punjab as a preferred destina- This, said Captain Amarinder, was also All cabinet decisions aim to attract
tion. Underlining the need to shift people vital to put an end to the wastage and the investment, boost employment op-
from agriculture to industry, in view of economic burden resulting on the state portunities besides paving the way for
the surplus production that was mak- from the surplus wheat and rice crop, ease of doing business in the state. Pun-
ing agriculture non-viable for them, the which the FCI was not lifting in a timely jab is a renowned hub for the MSME
Chief Minister said that by providing the manner. Punjab, like other states, was al- sector and the statehouses over two
right avenues for employment, industry ready reeling under financial problems lakh registered MSMEs. Once a flour-
could also help check the migration of due to non-payment of their GST share ishing state, Punjab is not doing too
Punjab’s youth to other countries. in time, he said, pointing out that his well on the economic front with rev-
The Chief Minister stressed on the state had not received its GST share since enue generation down and a backlog
need to provide continuity to industry August 2019, translating into dues of Rs of bills amounting to 5000 crore. The
to encourage them to invest and expand 6000 crore. And given that the state had new thrust on bringing investment
in Punjab. For this, it is essential not to handed over all other revenue genera- back to Punjab can change the fortunes
indulge in political vendetta with the tion sources to the central government of the state and its people.
opposition and ensure that any party under the GST regime, this had left them
coming to power maintains the same in a critical situation. LETTERS@TEHELKA.COM

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