*Punjab Government Adopted Cluster Based Strategy to Drive MSMEs Development: Sanjeev Arora*

Chandigarh 15 March 2026:Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that MSMEs are participating 25 to 30% in GDP growth of India. He urged to use maximum artificial intelligence to run the business and day to day work in your offices. MSME are executing arm of the economy and also the natural manufacturing machine of the country. Our government is focusing on modernization and expansion of MSMEs. He advised industrialists to focus on price and quality rather than marketing to increase demand of the products. There is no dearth of skills in Punjab.

Furthermore, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora highlighted that Punjab Government, with a robust base of nearly 1.6 lakh MSME units, plans to establish a dedicated agency which will transform its MSME ecosystem into a highly dynamic and globally competitive sector. MSME Punjab will serve as a single institutional platform to enhance competitiveness, improve access to finance, technology, markets, skills, and promote cluster-based development.

He stated that Punjab will adopt a cluster-based strategy to drive MSME sector development, leveraging economies of scale, shared facilities, and collective efficiency among co-located enterprises. The State aims to optimize the use of cluster development schemes, while also introducing its own State-level cluster development program to address unmet needs and bridge gaps in existing frameworks.

Cluster interventions will be designed to strengthen infrastructure, technology adoption, and market readiness of MSMEs through proactive collaboration between government departments, industry associations, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed by cluster members. The objective is to create a synergistic environment that fosters innovation, cost competitiveness, and sustainable industrial growth, he added.

Gurkirat Kirpal Singh IAS Secretary Industries and Commerce said that Punjab Government is encouraging MSMEs to expand their business in Punjab and several incentives are being given to MSMEs so that they can set up their plant in Punjab. A lot of opportunities are available in this sector. He added that Punjab Government have accepted 77% recommendations of sectoral committees and launched most attractive industrial policy. Time bound clearances are being given to the Investors and this new industrial policy will help enterpreneurs.

Professor Rudhra Pratap Vice Chancellor of Plaksha University, Mr. Dharmesh Goswami Partner, KPMG, Mr. Bhupinder Pal Singh Anand Director, Jal Bath Fittings, Mr. Manbir Singh Director, IEE Elevators, Mr. Rajesh Mehra MD, Active Clothing were participated in MSMEs Session.

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*Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026 Witnesses Overwhelming Response for IT and ITeS Sector*

*Bhagwant Mann Government Aims to Elevate Mohali to Tier-1 IT Hub with Focus on Governance, Academia, and Infrastructure: Seema Bansal*

*Robust Fiscal and Non-Fiscal Incentives Unveiled to Accelerate Global Capability Centres and Digital Growth*

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, March 15-The Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026 witnessed a huge response from investors during the highly anticipated IT and ITeS session. Based on the theme 'Punjab Offer: Promoting GCCs with speed, clarity, and after care', the event highlighted the state's growing appeal as a premier destination for technological investment and digital innovation.

Addressing the jam-packed session, Vice Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission (PDC), Seema Bansal, said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, is resolutely aiming to develop SAS Nagar (Mohali) as a Tier 1 town in the IT sector. She articulated that the state government is intensely focusing on the foundational pillars of Governance, Academia, and Infrastructure to achieve this vision.

Furthermore, she said that a number of manufacturing industries in the state have already successfully started integrating AI technologies into their production processes.

Highlighting the comprehensive support framework, Additional Chief Secretary, Information Technology, Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari, detailed the robust incentives being provided by the Punjab Government to boost the IT industry under the Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026. He outlined key fiscal benefits for IT and ITeS units, including a 75 percent net SGST reimbursement for 10 to 15 years and an employment generation subsidy of Rs. 5000 per employee per month for five years. "Investors can also avail themselves of a capital subsidy of up to 20 percent of Fixed Capital Investment, capped at Rs. 10 Crore, alongside a 100 percent exemption on electricity duty for 10 to 15 years", he added.

For Global Capability Centres, ACS Tiwari infor.ed that the state is offering an enhanced employment generation subsidy of Rs 7500 per employee per month for five years for the first 10 units. He also highlighted a rental subsidy of Rs 7 per square foot for standard IT units and Rs 10 per square foot for GCCs, applicable for a minimum of 100 seats over five years. "Data centres are further incentivized with a 100 percent exemption on stamp duty and dual power grid availability provided on demand", said Tiwari.

Complementing these financial benefits, D. K. Tiwari emphasised non-fiscal advantages such as time-bound clearances within 5 to 45 working days, exemption from the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA) 1995 for all IT parks, relaxed setbacks, and unlimited Floor Area Ratio allowed on roads with a Right of Way of 45 meters.

Meanwhile, a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. Bimal Deep Singh, Client Solution Head - Large Deals at Infosys; Manipal Dhariwal, CEO of Netsmartz; Rajwinder Singh Boparai, Senior Regional President, US Logistics Private Limited; and Baljit Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Dev Global University (GNDGU) based in Flower Mound, Texas, shared their insights on the immense opportunities for Punjab. They unanimously agreed that Mohali is uniquely positioned to excel in the IT sector due to the availability of quality human resources from within the state and neighboring regions, the highly conducive environment of the Tricity area, and significantly lower operational costs compared to other major cities. The experts also noted the strong desire among IT-expert Punjabis to return to their native land, further enriching the local talent pool. The panelists shared their expert opinions on the various GCC models currently available in the market and explored the expansive scope and future potential of Artificial Intelligence in the region. The session, moderated by Chandan Singh, Director at KPMG, successfully concluded with an interactive open house discussion and the facilitation of the panelists.

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*PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB INVESTORS’ SUMMIT, 2026*

*Investors applaud Punjab Govt’s hospitality, celebrate culture with music & dance*

*Summit presents Punjab’s vibrant heritage & investment potential to global delegates: Sanjeev Arora*

SAS NAGAR, 15 March 2026:The Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 offered investors far more than discussions on industry and business. Delegates from across India and abroad experienced the warmth of Punjab’s hospitality, its vibrant cultural traditions, and the rich flavours of Punjabi cuisine, turning the summit into an immersive showcase of the state’s spirit alongside its economic opportunities.

From the very beginning of the summit, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had assured that guests would experience the warmth, generosity and cultural vibrancy that Punjab is known for. Over the course of the event, that promise came alive as delegates praised the meticulous arrangements made by the Punjab Government and enthusiastically participated in the cultural celebrations organised alongside the investment sessions.

A special cultural evening organised at the Mohali Golf Range became one of the highlights of the summit. Renowned Punjabi singers Ranjit Bawa and Harjit Harman captivated the audience, transforming the evening into a celebration of Punjab’s music and traditions.

Ranjit Bawa electrified the gathering with popular tracks including “Heavyweight Bhangra,” “Family Di Member,” “Sher,” “Mukabla,” and “Chhote-Chhote Gharan,” drawing investors and delegates to the dance floor and filling the venue with energy and enthusiasm.

Harjit Harman began his performance with devotional songs before moving to some of his widely loved numbers such as “Jithon Marzi Wangan Chadhwa Layeein…,” “Mitran Da Naa Chalda…,” “Punjab Guru’an Di Kripa Naal Vassda…,” and “24 Carat Gold…,” evoking the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Punjab.

The evening also featured a vibrant presentation of traditional Punjabi folk dance, with the Jugni Cultural Group performing Luddi and Bhangra. Their energetic performance received thunderous applause from the audience, offering visiting delegates a glimpse into Punjab’s living folk traditions.

Welcoming the investors and delegates, Punjab’s Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora said that the Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had ensured that the summit highlighted not only the state’s investment potential but also its glorious heritage and cultural richness. “Through this summit, we have showcased both the immense opportunities for economic growth in Punjab and the vibrant culture that defines our state. We want every investor to feel the warmth of Punjab and leave with a lasting impression of its people, traditions and possibilities,” said Sanjeev Arora.

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian was also present at the event. Delegates from across the country and abroad appreciated the hospitality extended by the Punjab Government, praising the well-organised arrangements, cultural programmes and authentic Punjabi cuisine that made the summit a memorable experience for all.

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*LIGHT, CAMERA, ACTION: PUNJAB’S SILVER SCREEN DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT WITH AMBITIOUS FILM POLICY*

*• PUNJAB OPEN FOR BUSINESS, FILM SHOOTS WITH SINGLE-WINDOW SYSTEM: BALTEJ PANNU*

*• PUNJAB SETS SIGHTS ON TOP FILM DESTINATION WITH LUCRATIVE INCENTIVES: AMIT DHAKA*

*• “CHARDI KALA” SPIRIT FUELS PUNJABI MEDIA’S GROWTH: PRESS & FILM INDUSTRY SHAPE CULTURAL NARRATIVES, SAYS RAMVIR*

*• GLOBAL FILMMAKERS & CREATIVE INDUSTRY INVITED TO EXPLORE PUNJAB’S VIBRANT CINEMATIC ECOSYSTEM AT PPIS 2026*

*Chandigarh, March 15:*In a bid to make Punjab a major hub for film production, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has rolled out "Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026", with lucrative and flexible incentive structure designed to attract and facilitate investments. This came to the fore during the panel discussion on the Media and Entertainment session at Progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit 2026 held at Plaksha University, SAS Nagar (Mohali).

While addressing the gathering, Punjab Media In-charge Mr. Baltej Pannu stated, "We welcome every filmmaker, every investor, every creative mind. Whatever you need, however you need it, the CM Mann led state government is here for you.” He asserted that the era of middlemen projecting a negative image of the state is over, while assuring filmmakers and media stakeholders of a single-window clearance system and complete government facilitation for shoots in the state.

He termed the Punjab as a "dream project" of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, acknowledging the collective effort to turn it into reality. He stressed that Punjab's spirit of 'Punjabiyat' never died.

Mr. Pannu shared that the government is streamlining permissions for film shoots. Citing a recent case where a production unit faced an issue, he said a single call to the concerned officer ensured the immediate resolution of the issue. "Any crew member stepping onto Punjabi soil is like our own family. We will facilitate in every manner to make them feel home," he assured.

He also revealed plans to appoint a Nodal Officer for hassle-free shooting permissions. Highlighting Punjab's infrastructure, Pannu pointed to two international and four domestic airports, making the state easily accessible for the global Punjabi diaspora. He noted that NRIs are increasingly choosing Punjab for pre-wedding shoots, medical tourism and business.

Addressing the rise of OTT platforms and AI, Mr. Pannu urged the media to adapt to changing times. "Punjab is filled with positivity. If you look for positive people, you will find them in the state", he said, recalling the spirit of Guru Nanak's followers who turned 20 rupees into a legacy of service.

Meanwhile, Invest Punjab CEO Mr. Amit Dhaka said that the state offers a 25% capital subsidy for films, documentaries and web series on cost of production incurred in Punjab, up to ₹3 crore per film and web series, and subsidy for Punjabi language films is 30% of cost of the production, up to Rs.3.5 crore per film. He further informed that the policy also includes 20% capital subsidy for setting up film city, film studio, VFX studio and Training Institute.

"Punjab's cultural footprint is massive, despite having only 1.5% of India's land area and 2% of its population," Dhaka said.

With a single-window online permission system and incentives, the state aims to attract filmmakers and investors. The state's media and entertainment industry is expected to get a boost, with Punjabi content occupying 40% of digital and OTT platforms. The government is working on developing a Film City in Mohali and promoting skill development in film production.

Outlining the government's ambitious vision to harness the state's immense cultural capital through the newly formulated Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026, he said that Punjabi cinema is one of the largest film industries in India and the Punjabi music industry, with over 400 labels, enjoys a global market share that rivals any regional language. He observed that 40% of the space on digital and OTT platforms is now occupied by Punjabi content, a testament to the state's creative dominance.

Recognising that the first step to growth is ease of doing business, Mr. Dhaka detailed the government's overhaul of the permissions system. "Initially, when we met with producers, they were not optimistic as they were facing problems with shooting permissions." To address this, the government integrated a single-window shooting permission service into the Invest Punjab Portal—a system now considered one of the best in the country, with other states coming to study its model. "The state's role is to facilitate, not to create hindrances," he affirmed, while urging industry professionals to partner with the government in creating a digital catalogue of shooting locations across Punjab.

While addressing the gathering of media & entertainment industry professionals, the Secretary, Information and Public Relations Mr. Ramvir asserted that the spirit of Punjabi society has always been reflected through its media, while highlighting the crucial role of the state’s press and film industry in shaping cultural narratives. He traced the evolution of Punjabi journalism from 19th-century print and the Akali newspapers of 1920 to the modern digital age. He noted that media houses historically documented key social and religious movements.

“The ‘Chardi Kala’ spirit of Punjab is the reason behind the strong presence of Punjabi language in Indian cinema and other art forms,” he stated, while adding that the Punjabi film industry is currently experiencing a boom, connecting deeply with the global Punjabi diaspora. He emphasised the government’s proactive role in fostering this growth, pointing to a new policy aimed at infrastructure development. He urged stakeholders to adapt to new technologies and digital media, which saw rapid acceleration post-COVID.

While inviting investments in the state’s entertainment sector, Mr. Ramvir assured full support from the department to help the industry thrive and project Punjabi culture to the world.

CEO Speed Records Mr. Dinesh Auluck, MD OTT Chaupal Mr. Sandeep Bansal and MD Punjab Film City Mr. Iqbal Cheema expressed gratitude to CM Mann led Punjab Government for rolling out the Film Promotion Policy. They expressed happiness that the policy would create a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem—a one-stop destination that doesn't just offer studios, but a complete range of facilities, besides, ensuring that once someone arrives, they never have to leave for any requirement. The state will become a global hub for filmmaking and creative enterprise. Mr. Sandeep Bansal said that the Punjab’s OTT platform is expected to grow to over ₹2000 crores industry in next 4-5 years.

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PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB INVESTOR SUMMIT 2026 - SESSION ON FURNITURE & PLY INDUSTRY

TIMBER BASED AGRO FORESTRY ADVOCATED AS ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE

Chandigarh, March 15:The third and the last day of the Progressive Punjab Investor Summit (PPIS) - 2026 saw detailed deliberations being held in a session on Ply and Furniture industry in the State.

The Secretary, Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Science & Technology Priyank Bharti in his opening remarks dwelled upon the Agro forestry being the source of raw material for the furniture and ply sector. He termed it as the economically viable and ecologically sustainable. He also advocated the promotion of timber based agro-forestry and divulged that the agro forestry is proposed to be exempted from the Tree Protection Bill, which is in the pipeline.

During the panel discussion, MD, Virgo Panels Naresh Tiwari, Head Manufacturing, R & D, Century Plyboards Sunil Shekhawat, Director Savitri Woods Mukesh Goyal and the President Punjab Plywood Manufacturers Association Inderjit Singh Sohal laid emphasis on a number of issues such as Safety of industrial labour in the rural areas, century plywood being the eco friendly product, Farming on empty land by going in for the plantation of Eucalyptus and Poplar describing these as recyclable.