CICU Seeks Permanent Solution to Shifting Issue of Existing Industries in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, September 9, 2026: A delegation of the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), led by General Secretary  Honey Sethi, today met Kulwant Singh Sandhu, MLA, Atam Nagar Constituency, Ludhiana, and submitted a memorandum seeking a permanent and practical solution to the long-pending issue concerning the shifting of existing industries operating in established industrial pockets of Ludhiana. The delegation included Vice President Didarjit Singh Lotey, Gautam Malhotra and Sanjay Dhiman.
CICU highlighted that several areas of Ludhiana, including Janta Nagar, Shimlapuri, New Shimlapuri and other industrial pockets, have remained predominantly industrial for several decades and have developed into established industrial ecosystems supporting a large number of MSMEs and employment. CICU pointed out that entrepreneurs in these areas have made substantial investments in land, buildings, plant and machinery, technology and infrastructure over many years. Repeated directions for shifting have created uncertainty among existing industrial units and are affecting their ability to plan investments, modernisation and expansion. The Chamber noted that the extension granted for shifting in September 2023 is due to expire in September 2026, making the matter particularly urgent for the affected industrial units.
CICU Proposes Ground-Level Assessment
CICU proposed that the Punjab Government undertake a ground-reality-based assessment of the approximately 72 predominantly industrial areas of Ludhiana. The Chamber suggested that areas where 80% or more of the existing area is occupied by functional industrial units may be considered for suitable recognition and incorporation as Industrial Zones in the Ludhiana Master Plan, subject to applicable planning, environmental, safety and other statutory norms. CICU emphasised that this approach would recognise the existing development pattern while allowing the Government to regulate these areas systematically and provide appropriate infrastructure.
Request for Immediate Relief
Pending a final policy decision and review of the Master Plan, CICU requested that:
·         No coercive action for shifting of existing industries be initiated in the affected areas.
·         The existing shifting timeline be suitably extended.
·         A competent committee be constituted for ground-level assessment of the identified industrial areas.
·         Predominantly industrial areas meeting the proposed criteria be considered for recognition as Industrial Zones.
·         A permanent and transparent policy framework be notified for existing industries, subject to applicable statutory and environmental requirements.
CICU General Secretary Honey Sethi stated that “repeated temporary extensions cannot provide long-term certainty to entrepreneurs who have invested their capital and built their businesses in these areas over several decades.” He emphasised that a permanent policy solution is essential to protect existing investments, employment and Ludhiana’s industrial ecosystem.
CICU further stated that any large-scale shifting of established MSMEs would involve substantial financial costs, disruption of production and employment, and significant difficulties for smaller enterprises. The Chamber urged the MLA to take up the matter with the Chief Minister of Punjab and the concerned departments, including the Department of Local Government, Housing & Urban Development and other relevant authorities, for a comprehensive policy decision. CICU expressed hope that a balanced, practical and permanent solution would be evolved which recognises ground realities while ensuring planned development, environmental compliance and proper regulation of industrial areas.