Punjab Govt Reforms Boost Business: ₹1.25 Lakh Crore Investment, 4.5 Lakh Jobs

The Punjab Government has taken a decisive step to boost industry and investment in the state. Major reforms in the Right to Business Act are positioning Punjab as one of India’s most business-friendly states. Under the new policy, government approvals for setting up industries will now be granted within five to a maximum of 18 days—a process that previously took months.

Industries located in pre-approved industrial parks, estates, or project zones will receive all necessary permissions within five days through a single-window system, saving entrepreneurs time, money, and effort. Even projects outside industrial parks will get approvals within 18 days. If the deadline is missed, companies automatically receive deemed approval, cutting red tape and reducing the scope for corruption.

Industry and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora said the government’s primary aim is to attract investment and create jobs for Punjab’s youth. “Since the AAP government took office, Punjab has received over ₹1.25 lakh crore in investments, generating direct employment for around 4.5 lakh young people,” he said, adding that these numbers are expected to grow further.

These investments span sectors including steel, automobiles, food processing, IT and technology, healthcare, hospitality, textiles, logistics, and agri-business. Punjab’s proximity to Delhi, robust road networks, and skilled workforce make it particularly attractive to investors.

Prominent companies investing in Punjab include ITC, Info Edge (Naukri.com), Haldirams Foods, Frontline Group, LT Foods, and Reliance Retail. Infosys is setting up a major Technology & Development Centre in Mohali, expected to create 5,000 direct jobs. Fortis Healthcare is investing ₹950 crore in hospitals, medical colleges, and diagnostic centres, generating thousands of healthcare jobs.

Foreign investors from the USA, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Germany, the UK, Canada, and Australia are also showing interest, particularly in auto parts, electronics, and food processing.

To further strengthen industrial growth, Punjab has set up 24 sector-specific committees covering areas such as steel, automobiles, IT, healthcare, hospitality, textiles, renewable energy, electronics, real estate, and education.

For MSMEs, the new law allows businesses to commence operations with a simple self-declaration, exempting them from inspections for the first three years. Paperwork has been drastically reduced, from 15–20 certificates earlier to just 5–6 essential documents. Punjab has about 3.5 lakh MSME units, which form the backbone of its economy.

The state has also prepared a land bank with over 50,000 acres ready for industrial use near highways and urban centres. Currently, 78 industrial parks and estates are being upgraded, with new ones planned around Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, Amritsar, Patiala, and Bathinda.

For investor convenience, the government has launched the “Invest Punjab” digital portal, enabling entrepreneurs to upload documents, apply for permissions, and track applications online.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is personally meeting investors across India to address their concerns. “Punjab has everything—hardworking youth, excellent connectivity, and now a business-friendly government. We promise that doing business here will be easier than ever,” he said.