JALANDHAR: AAP convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday made 10 promises to traders and businessmen of Jalandhar for the development and upliftment of industry, trade and commerce in the state.
The AAP leader’s punchline to seek support was: “You have tried the Congress, Captain, and the Badals; now give us a chance. We don’t need funds from businessmen, we just need your support.”
Speaking at a meeting of traders and businessmen, he said, “Give the AAP a chance too and you will forget everyone else, the example of which has been given to the people by the Delhi government of AAP. AAP has done a miracle in Delhi for business and trade and will do it in Punjab too.”
AAP Punjab convener and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann, leader of opposition Harpal Singh Cheema, party affairs in-charge Jarnail Singh and Raghav Chadha along with other Punjab MLAs were also present. After listening to the problems and solutions of the traders and businessmen, Kejriwal first announced 24-hour uninterrupted power supply for the industry. He claimed that red-tapism and ‘inspector raj’ would be ended. He said corruption ran in the system because the intentions of the governments were bad. “If there is an honest CM and cabinet at the top, then I can challenge that the entire structure below will be alright. We did this in Delhi,” he said.
Kejriwal said, “Old laws will be rectified and unnecessary laws will be scrapped. A system will be built wherein existing industries need not waste time over government and will be able to invest their time in business.”
“VAT will be refunded to businessmen between three and six months and an instalment system will be made for big refunds. Infrastructure will be strengthened and enhancement charges will be ended. Change of land use (CLU) and other types of hassles will also be ended in areas which have been declared industrial zones. Monthly or weekly instalments of bribes and goonda tax will be ended,” he said, adding that traders and businessmen will be partners in the future AAP government and a joint body of them will be formed.
“Law and order will be strengthened. Punjab is a border state, and the law and order with its secular structure should be maintained here. More emphasis will be given to small traders and MSMEs, so that employment will be generated,” he added.
