Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the state is steadily moving towards becoming the "Silicon Valley of India", highlighting Mohali's growing role as a technology and innovation hub.
Addressing industry leaders in New Delhi, Mann said this is the right time for businesses to invest in Punjab, as the government has created a transparent and investor-friendly ecosystem.
He said Mohali offers all essential infrastructure for industries within a five-minute radius of the international airport. To further strengthen the startup ecosystem, the Punjab government has established a dedicated department to support startups and innovation.
Chief Minister claimed that Punjab has attracted nearly ₹2 lakh crore in investments, generating around 5 lakh employment opportunities. He said the state has implemented a time-bound single-window clearance system, ensuring investors receive all necessary approvals within a fixed timeframe. According to Mann, Punjab now ranks among the country's leading states in terms of ease of doing business.
Highlighting the state's connectivity, Mann said Punjab has six airports, including two international airports, while railway infrastructure is also being upgraded. He urged industrialists to invest in the state, saying Punjab has abundant resources and a skilled workforce, with only fresh investments now needed to accelerate growth.
Speaking about manufacturing, the Chief Minister said Punjab continues to be one of India's leading textile hubs. He noted that Ludhiana accounts for nearly 90% of the country's hosiery and garment production, housing both major brands and MSMEs. He also described Jalandhar and Amritsar as key industrial centres, adding that Punjab has chosen to become a partner state to further strengthen the textile sector.
Mann said the government's responsibility is to create a business-friendly environment rather than burden industries. "Industrialists are not a source of election funding for us; they are part of our family," he said.
Sharing an anecdote, Mann recalled that soon after his government assumed office, an industrialist approached him with plans to invest hundreds of crores in Punjab. When asked what kind of government support was needed, the businessman reportedly replied, "Just don't harass us." Mann said the remark reflected the difficulties industries had faced under previous governments.
Chief Minister alleged that an unfavourable business climate had earlier forced several industries to shift from Punjab to Baddi and other states. He claimed previous governments treated industries like "ATMs", while his administration has completely changed that approach.
On power availability, Mann said Punjab is now a power-surplus state with three government-owned and two private coal mines. The state receives nearly 7 million metric tonnes of coal annually and currently has a two-month coal stock, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply without power cuts or restrictions for industries.
He added that the government has maintained regular dialogue with businesses by forming 22–23 sector-specific advisory committees, including a dedicated committee for the hospitality industry comprising representatives from the sector.
Mann also highlighted recent investments, stating that Tata Steel has invested ₹3,200 crore in Punjab, while Aichi Steel has invested ₹2,600 crore, with the company's operations expected to begin later this month.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said Punjabis are globally recognised for their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. He described Punjab as a welcoming state where no visitor goes hungry and people always come forward to help each other in times of need.
