Cut in power bills of small, medium industries in offing

Punjab Government is considering to provide relief in electricity charges to the small and medium industries of the State. Besides, re-launching the one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for the benefit of remaining borrowers is also on its agenda.The information was shared by State Industries and Commerce Minister Madan Mohan Mittal on Friday with the industrialists after inaugurating a mass plantation drive at Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) complex.

Mittal further said that the State Government has already deposited `100 crore with the Union Ministry of Micro Small and Mediun Enterprises to avail funds of `1,100 crore under MSME (micro small and mediun enterprises) schemes for the benefit of Punjab industry.In order to enhance technical knowledge and excellence in skill development, an independent director has been appointed by the State Government, he said.

 Mittal announced that an exhibition centre will be provided by the State Government to ludhiana industry soon and introduction of single window system will be considered on priority basis.Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) chairman Shakti Sharma said that a survey is being carried out for establishing another focal point over an area of 350 acres near Dhanasu for ludhiana industry. He assured that encroachments on vacant industrial plots will be removed after the survey.

Industries director SR ladhar requested the industrialists to avail benefits under the cluster development scheme as Punjab Government had hired the services of Grand Bratton Company, which costs the State Rs2 lakh per month, for providing benefits to Punjab Industry.