FICO Meets New GM DIC Ludhiana; Seeks Immediate Resolution of Key Industrial Issues

Ludhiana, June 19, 2026: A delegation of the Federation of Industrial & Commercial Organization (FICO), led by its President, Gurmeet Singh Kular, met Sukhwinder Singh Reikhi, the newly appointed General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Ludhiana, and extended a warm welcome on behalf of the industrial fraternity. 
The delegation congratulated him on assuming charge and expressed confidence that under his leadership, the concerns and aspirations of the industrial sector would receive due attention and support. 
During the meeting, FICO submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting several long-pending and critical issues affecting industries across Punjab. The delegation emphasized that at a time when industries are facing rising costs, liquidity pressures, and intense competition from neighbouring states, immediate policy support and administrative intervention are essential to sustain growth, employment, and investment in the state.
Kular stated that Punjab's industrial sector has always been a key contributor to the state's economy, exports, and employment generation. However, several policy and procedural bottlenecks are adversely impacting the competitiveness of industries, particularly MSMEs. FICO urged the Government to address these concerns on priority to strengthen the industrial ecosystem and improve the ease of doing business in Punjab. He said FICO will initiate 2 Common Facility Centre.
The delegation strongly raised the following issues:
Timely Release of GST Refunds: FICO raised serious concerns over delays in GST refunds, particularly due to the inverted duty structure where industries such as Bicycles, Sewing Machines, and Agricultural Implements pay 18% GST on raw materials and only 5% on finished products. The blockage of refunds is adversely affecting working capital and increasing financial costs. FICO demanded an automatic and time-bound refund mechanism.
De-Notification of Unacquired Plots under PSIEC: FICO demanded the de-notification of plots and Khasra numbers that were included in PSIEC layouts but were never acquired and for which no compensation was paid. This would enable the original owners to establish industrial units and promote development.
Abolition of Professional Tax in Punjab: FICO urged the Punjab Government to abolish the Professional Tax of ₹200 per month, stating that it imposes an unnecessary financial and compliance burden on taxpayers, professionals, employees, and MSMEs.
Reinstatement of Bicycle, Sewing Machine, Garment & Agricultural Implements Industries in the Thrust Sector: FICO strongly opposed the exclusion of the Bicycle, Sewing Machine, Garment, and Agricultural Implements Industries from the Thrust Sector category under the proposed Punjab Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026. The organization demanded their immediate reinstatement to safeguard employment, exports, and future investments.
Restoration of IDF Exemption on Electricity Charges: FICO demanded the restoration of the IDF exemption on electricity charges, withdrawn under the Industrial Policy 2026. The organization stated that the move would significantly increase power costs, making Punjab less competitive for industry. Affordable power is essential for sustaining industrial growth and attracting investment.
Grant of NOC to Existing Industrial Units on Malerkotla Road, Ludhiana: FICO highlighted the difficulties being faced by long-established industrial units on Malerkotla Road, particularly Orange and Red Category industries, in obtaining NOCs despite operating for several decades. Many of these units were established prior to 2007 and have significantly contributed to employment generation and industrial growth in the region. FICO requested immediate resolution of the concerns of industries operating on Malerkotla Road, Ludhiana.
Amongst present were Gurmeet Singh Kular President FICO, Avtar Singh Bhogal Convenor UCPMA, Rajeev Jain Senior Vice President FICO, Ashpreet Singh Sahni Organizing Secretary FICO, Gagnish Singh Khurana Head Agricultural Impliments Division FICO, Inderjit Singh Navyug, Surinder Pal Singh, Satya Pal Saini and Sukhwinder Singh Megson.