CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Congress has criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government for delay in framing a new policy for industrialists that would open the doors for new investments in the fund-starved state.
The previous industrial policy, framed by the then Congress government in 2017, ended on October 17, 2022.
Speaking on the issue, senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said that the CM Bhawant Mann, who also holds the portfolio of industries and commerce, is apparently too busy campaigning in poll-bound Gujarat. Consequently, the new industrial and business development policy of the AAP hangs fire.
“It is not only the existing industrialists and entrepreneurs who have been bearing the brunt of the apathy of the AAP government but the doors for the new investors have also been closed, which would further escalate the economic crisis. CM must know that the fiscal health of the state has already been in a dire situation, therefore, the new industrial and business development policy is crucial for the state,” Bajwa added.
Bajwa went on to claim that the department of industries and commerce has prepared the policy and sent it to the cabinet for approval, however, due to the absence of CM Mann, the new policy has been put on the back burner.
“The AAP government has been managing its essential activities with borrowed money and loans. In such a situation, CM Mann, who made tall claims to improve the financial health state before assembly elections, should demonstrate seriousness towards the people of Punjab instead of working overtime for the party expansion in Gujarat,” Bajwa added.
