Punjab to introduce New IT policy soon, employment opportunity for 55,000 professionals: Tarunpreet Singh Sond
State focal points to be facilitated with world-class facilities; 5 focal points to be developed as role models
Punjab’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, stated that the Punjab government, under the dynamic leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working diligently and sincerely towards the development of the state’s industries. He expressed that he is optimistic that Punjab’s industrial sector will soon progress by leaps and bounds due to Punjab’s pro-industry policies. He reiterated the state government’s full commitment to the flourishing of Punjab’s industries.
Speaking in Vision Punjab 2047 at a session on “Industry in Punjab: challenges in Growth” organised by the World Punjabi Organisation and hosted by Rajya Sabha member, Vikramjit Singh Sahni at Panjab University, Tarunpreet Singh Sond emphasized that he will introduce changes in industrial policy which will help in making the policy more business friendly and act as a catalyst for industrial growth in the state. He stated that over the past two and half years, Punjab has attracted investment worth more than Rs. 86,000 crores and the efforts are underway to take this to new heights.
He announced that Punjab’s new IT (Information Technology) policy is set to be implemented soon, with Mohali emerging as North India’s new IT hub. Following the implementation of this policy, approximately 55,000 IT professionals will have job opportunities. Sond while addressing, said that various IT companies and delegations have shown interest in starting operations in Punjab, all thanks to Punjab’s friendly industrial policy and facilities offered by the state.
He expressed pride that the “Invest Punjab” portal has topped performance metrics nationwide, with around 58,000 small and medium industries registered, making a record. Sond stated that various reforms are underway to place Punjab at the forefront of the national industrial landscape. Following feedback from industrialists, plans are being made to equip the state’s focal points with world-class facilities. In the first phase, five cities’ focal points are proposed to be developed as role models, with major transformations in these focal points expected soon.
During the event, Sond also shared plans to boost tourism in Punjab on a large scale. Besides being the Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, he mentioned that religious tourism, along with other sectors and regions, is being extensively promoted across Punjab. He also presented ideas focused on agro-based industries.
When a concerned listener raised the issue, Sond mentioned that the cleaning and restoration plan for Ludhiana’s Buddha Nullah is in its final stages and will be implemented soon after the Chief Minister’s approval.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Technical Education, Industrial Training, and Information & Public Relations, highlighted that new courses are being introduced in technical education based on industrial demands. He noted that various courses are currently operational in Punjab to certify skilled workers.
He expressed gratitude to Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahni for initiating Punjab Vision 2047, emphasizing that those who do not plan for the future failure, make programs like this essential for Punjab’s future. While discussing Punjab’s unique attributes, he stated that India’s progress is incomplete without Punjab’s development.
Bains said that shortcomings can only be addressed through dialogue and collaboration. He extended an invitation to all industrialists to establish new industries in the Anandpur Sahib constituency, assuring them of his full support.
The panel on “Industry in Punjab: challenges in Growth” included prominent industrialists of Punjab as well as Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahni, who shared their insights.
