The Punjab Congress on Thursday sought the Centre’s assistance to promote industry in the State, in general, and border districts of Punjab in particular.
The State Congress president and Gurdaspur MP Sunil Jakhar, who met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday, briefed about the new industrial policy being implemented by the Punjab Government saying that industry-friendly policy has been enforced by Capt Amarinder Singh Government so that industries can be promoted in the State.
Jakhar said that the State Government had given more exemption to the industry within the 30-km radius of the international border and change of land use (CLU) and external development charge (EDC) have been exempted to the first industry in this area.
“The State Government has made great efforts for the State’s industrial development and the big industrial houses are coming forward for investment in Punjab. But, the State needs more cooperation from Central Government to promote industry in the State,” he said.
Jakhar demanded that the Central Government should also give some tax relaxation to the industry established in boarder zone.
Discussing the issue of Gurdaspur and Pathankot based industry, Jakhar asked the Union Minister to established more industry in his constituency so that young people can get new employment opportunities.
He also brought the issue of industrialization of Gurdaspur and Batala to the attention of the Union Minister and demanded the establishment of industry in Pathankot too.
Apart from this, Jakhar also demanded Centre’s help to promote State's industries saying that the oil refinery had been set up in Bathinda, with which there is a lot of potential for the petro-chemical industry.
Likewise, Jakhar called for the up-gradation of Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala and Rail Diesel Engine factory in Patiala and said that this would benefit the State's economy.
He also demanded from the Union Minister to give GST exemption for cotton industry to encourage crop diversification in the State.