CICU Raises Key Industrial Issues with Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora

Ludhiana, May 29, 2026: A delegation of the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), led by its President Upkar Singh Ahuja, met Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora and discussed several pressing issues being faced by the industrial sector in the state. Rahul Ahuja, Convener of Apex Chamber, also accompanied the delegation during the meeting. During the interaction, the CICU delegation highlighted the growing concerns of industrialists regarding rising operational costs, compliance burdens, infrastructure bottlenecks, power tariff issues and policy uncertainties, which are adversely affecting the competitiveness of Punjab industry.
Upkar Singh Ahuja & Rahul Ahuja particularly urged the Cabinet Minister to resolve the ongoing issues concerning the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), stating that industries are facing difficulties due to procedural delays and compliance-related complications. He emphasized that a practical and industry-friendly approach is required so that industrial units can function smoothly without unnecessary interruptions and agitation by the industry and Punjab Bandh Call on 5th June.
The CICU delegation also submitted a detailed memorandum to the Department of Industries & Commerce, Punjab, seeking immediate intervention on several key matters affecting MSMEs and large industries alike.
One of the major issues raised was the restoration of the exemption of Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) under the Industrial and Business Development Policy (IBDP) 2017. CICU stated that industries had made investments based on the assurances provided under the policy and any retrospective withdrawal of incentives would negatively impact investor confidence in Punjab.
The delegation also demanded enhancement of interest on advance electricity bill payments from the proposed 7.5 per cent to at least 10 per cent in order to encourage industries to opt for advance payment schemes and improve liquidity support to the sector.
CICU further highlighted the difficulties being faced by industries in obtaining regular approvals under the Punjab Right to Business Act due to inter-departmental procedural delays. The association sought extension of timelines, nominal late fees and introduction of deemed approval mechanisms to improve ease of doing business.
The issue of the non-functioning CRO report portal integrated with Invest Punjab was also brought to the notice of the Minister. The delegation stated that technical glitches in the portal were delaying multiple approvals and causing hardship to industrial units.
Apart from this, CICU raised concerns regarding high industrial power tariffs, need for labor law simplification, and poor infrastructure conditions in industrial focal points, shortage of skilled manpower and delayed payments to MSMEs.
Upkar Singh Ahuja stated that Punjab industry has always played a significant role in employment generation, exports and economic growth of the state. He expressed hope that the Punjab Government would take positive and timely decisions to strengthen industrial confidence and improve the overall business ecosystem in the state.
The Cabinet Minister assured the delegation that the concerns raised by the industry would be examined seriously and appropriate action would be considered in the interest of industrial growth and economic development of Punjab.