Amarinder Singh for special industrial package to Punjab

CHANDIGARH: Congress leader Amarinder Singh today sought a special industrial package for Punjab saying it was the only way to strengthen industry, revive economy and generate employment in the sector.


Singh said that during his tenure as Punjab Chief Minister from 2002 to 2007, he had vigorously pursued the case for a special package for the industries of the state.

"This is the only remedy to strengthen industry, revive economy and generate employment for over 40 lakh unemployed people of the state," a release quoting Singh said.

Punjab needs a special industrial package as it has suffered during the last one and a half decade due to special tax concessions to the neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

"As a result, the industrial growth was stifled and the industries have either moved out of the state or stopped their expansion plans," Singh said.

The industries across Punjab, whether along the border districts like Amritsar or places like Ludhiana and Jalandhar have seen the "exodus which needs to be stopped and reversed," he said.