Jalandhar, December 12, 2019 (Yes Punjab News)
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi today said that in order give fillip to the sports good manufacturing industry in the state, the Punjab government would soon set up an ultra modren Research and Development (R&D) centre.
Interacting with the Sports Good Manufacturers here today, the Minister said that equipped with hi-end machinery the centre would be set up on scientific lines. He said that the state government would tie with the countries like Germany, United States and others for providing technology and expertise to run this centre. Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi envisioned that this centre would act as a catalyst in giving much needed boost to sports industry.
The Minister further said that the state government would also rope in big sports brands like Adidas, Nike, Gilbert, Puma, Bayer, BASF and others for collaborating with the Sports Goods Manufacturers in the state in general and city in particular.
He said that this would help in giving push to the exports of Sports good manufacturing units. Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi reiterated the commitment of the state government to give boost to sports industry in the city adding that strenuous efforts would be made to take current exports of Sports Industry to RS 14,000 crore from existing Rs 1400 crore annually.
Dwelling on another agenda , the Minister said that the state government would facilitate setting up of Sports park in district in village land.
He said that the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had recently approved amendments to the Punjab Village Common Land (Regulation) Rules 1964, which would enable development of industrial infrastructure projects by easing the land acquisition process for investors.
Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi also said that the state government was encouraging sporting activity in state to channelise the unbounded energy of youth in positive direction.
Meanwhile, the Minister also announced that the state government would explore the feasibility of giving relaxation to industry for Floor Area Ratio (FAR), height of industry and others.
He said that the state government would make every endeavour for creating a conducive environment for the Sports industry in Punjab. Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi assured the industrialists that no stone would be left unturned for putting the sports industry further on high growth trajectory.
The Minister also said that the project to develop Burlton park as ultra modren sports hub was already on card as more than RS 250 crore was being spent on it. He said that besides grounds this Hub would also house showrooms where sports good manufacturers could showcase their products for the sports lovers. Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi further said that the existing sports infrastructure in the state would be upgraded.
Office bearers of Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association including Chairman Mr Ajay Mahajan, CII Chairman Mr Rajesh Gupta, Mr Ashok Verma, Mr Pran Chadha, Mr Mukul Verma, Mr Sukhwinder Bhaizada, Mr Anuj Pascricha and others welcomed the Minister.
On the occasion Sub Divisional Magistrate Mr Rahul Sindhu, Swimming Coach Mr Umesh Sharma and others were also present.
