CICU Delegation Meets Industry Minister Aman Arora, Voices Industry’s Ground-Level Concerns

Ludhiana, August 27, 2026: A delegation of the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), Ludhiana, led by General Secretary Sh. Honey Sethi, met Punjab’s Industry Minister Aman Arora and put forward the pressing concerns being faced by the industrial fraternity at the ground level. The delegation, comprising CICU Vice President Gautam Malhotra and Co-Convener, CICU Export Committee, Saravjit Singh, submitted a detailed memorandum seeking the Minister’s intervention on issues that are directly impacting the cost, competitiveness and day-to-day functioning of industries.
During the meeting, CICU highlighted the prolonged delays and repeated objections in building plan approvals, stressing that entrepreneurs should not have to spend months or even years navigating procedural hurdles. The Chamber called for a single checklist, one-time scrutiny and strict time-bound disposal of applications. The delegation also raised concerns regarding PPCB approvals, emphasising that while environmental compliance is essential, the system should be more facilitation-oriented, particularly for MSMEs, with proper guidance and an opportunity to rectify minor deficiencies wherever legally permissible. CICU further urged the Minister to rationalise penalties under the Right to Business Act in genuine cases where entrepreneurs have made sincere efforts to comply but have faced delays beyond their control.
A major concern raised was the poor condition of roads in Focal Point, Ludhiana. CICU welcomed the allocation of ₹35 crore for strengthening the industrial area's road infrastructure, but stressed that the industry is still waiting to see the work begin. The delegation also demanded immediate restoration of road cuttings made for the canal-water pipeline, which have become a major source of inconvenience and safety concerns, particularly during the rainy season. Speaking during the interaction, the CICU delegation emphasised that industry is not asking for special treatment—it is asking for a system that works on time, transparently and fairly.
CICU expressed hope that the Industry Minister would personally take up these concerns with the concerned departments and ensure visible action on the ground, stating that faster approvals, better infrastructure and responsive governance are essential for creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening Punjab’s industrial economy.