Muktsar, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday promised incentives for new industrial units, including allowing them to retain State GST, supplying electricity at Rs 5 per unit and abolishing Inspector Raj, if the party forms the next government in Punjab.
Addressing interactive sessions with trade and industry representatives in Malout and Muktsar, Badal accused the present government of failing the business community and overseeing capital flight from Punjab. He said the SAD was committed to creating a conducive environment for trade and industry and encouraging fresh investment, particularly in the medium and small-scale sectors.
Badal also promised to abolish fixed charges for the industrial sector, especially seasonal industries, and prevent officials from entering industrial units. He said harassment by inspectors and GST officials would be stopped through the revival of the Rahat scheme and introduction of lump-sum taxation.
Urging industrialists and traders to make an informed choice in the next Assembly elections, Badal asked them to compare the performance of the previous SAD government with those of the subsequent Congress and present AAP governments. He cited the state’s power surplus status, road network, airports and investment as achievements of the former SAD-led government.
During the interaction, Parminder Singh Khuddian of the Arhtiya Association raised concerns over reduced commission, alleged harassment by transport contractors and non-reimbursement of labour charges. Badal promised to restore the earlier 2.5 per cent commission and give priority to timely lifting of food grains and creation of storage capacity.
Representatives of various industry associations also raised issues relating to GST, change of land use (CLU) charges, no-objection certificates (NOCs), development charges and bank guarantees. Badal promised to establish a Build Punjab department on the pattern of the Invest Punjab department set up by the erstwhile SAD government. He also announced a one-time settlement scheme for irregular colonies and promised rationalisation of development charges and bank guarantees.
He further assured pesticide dealers that manufacturers alone would be held responsible for poor-quality pesticides and seeds, and promised that goldsmiths would not face police harassment. He also said GST returns would be streamlined.
Senior SAD leaders Harpreet Singh Kotbhai and Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi, Punjab Beopar Mandal president Amit Kapoor and Mohit Gupta were among those present.
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