Punjab Newsline, Mohali / Sas Nagar -
Over ₹10,000 crore investment pledged on day one of Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026; Mann government highlights fast approvals, reforms and job creation
Mohali — The Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026 began on an encouraging note in Mohali, with investment commitments exceeding ₹10,000 crore on the very first day and several leading industrial groups announcing expansion plans in the state. Addressing industry leaders and investors, Arvind Kejriwal assured that the Punjab government would provide every facility required for industries to compete with China, while emphasising that a business-friendly environment in the state has already attracted investments worth ₹1.50 lakh crore over the past four years.
Speaking at the inaugural session attended by Bhagwant Singh Mann, Kejriwal said that for decades India’s system failed to provide people the opportunity to innovate and build businesses. “For 75 years, our systems were so flawed that people were not allowed to do anything freely. We want to change that mindset by trusting entrepreneurs and creating an ecosystem that encourages industry,” he said.
Highlighting governance reforms, Kejriwal pointed to the 45-day single-window clearance system introduced by the Punjab government, ensuring that industries receive approvals quickly through an online process. “If approval is not granted within 45 days, the system automatically provides deemed approval on the 46th day,” he said, adding that such a mechanism eliminates bureaucratic delays and corruption that earlier hindered industrial growth.
He also emphasised that the government has heavily invested in education and healthcare, calling them essential pillars for industrial progress. According to Kejriwal, Punjab has emerged as the top-performing state in education within just three years, while improved government hospitals and a ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme have strengthened healthcare security for citizens.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann described the summit as the beginning of a new era for the state’s economy, employment and investment landscape. He said major companies including HMEL, Tata Steel, JSW, Trident Group and Hero Industries have already announced plans to expand operations in Punjab.
Mann noted that since 2022 the state has attracted investment commitments worth ₹1.58 lakh crore, expected to generate employment for more than 5.5 lakh youth. He stressed that the government’s vision is to transform Punjab into a vibrant industrial hub while enabling young people to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Inviting investors to partner in the state’s growth journey, Mann said the government is committed to building a progressive and prosperous “Rangla Punjab” through transparent governance, improved infrastructure and industry-friendly policies