FICO met New Industry Minister, demanded to declare Mixed Land Use Area as Industrial Area

Ludhiana, May 29, 2026: Under the leadership of Gurmeet Singh Kular, President, FICO along with Rajeev Jain Senior Vice President FICO and Gurmukh Singh Rupal Head Sewing Machine Division FICO, a delegation of the Federation of Industrial & Commercial Organization met Aman Arora newly appointed Industry Minister Punjab and discussed various key issues concerning the trade and industry of Punjab. FICO submitted a written memorandum relating to its various demands. 
Solution for Industries in Mixed Land Use Areas:  FICO appreciated the extension for industries in mixed land use areas till September 2026 but demanded to declare MLU Areas as the Industrial Areas, otherwise government should introduce a migration policy with land bank, shifting support, and subsidies.
Withdrawal of Upfront Fee under Industrial Policy 2026: FICO opposed the 0.50% upfront fee under Industrial Policy 2026, stating it discourages investments and burdens industries financially.  
Release of GST Refunds: FICO demanded timely GST refunds for MSMEs and exporters, stating that delays block working capital and increase financial burden. Industries affected by inverted duty structure require an automatic and time-bound refund mechanism.
Abolish Professional Tax in Punjab: FICO urged the Punjab Government to abolish Professional Tax, stating that it increases compliance burden on businesses, employees, professionals, and MSMEs despite existing Income Tax liabilities.
Restoration of IDF Exemption on Electricity Charges: FICO demanded restoration of IDF exemption on electricity charges, stating that withdrawal of the benefit will significantly increase industrial power costs in Punjab.
Industrial Unscheduled Power Cuts & Poor Quality of Power Supply: FICO highlighted frequent power cuts and voltage fluctuations affecting industrial production and machinery, and requested uninterrupted, quality power supply for industries.
CLU Approvals Stuck for Standalone Projects: FICO requested restoration of the combined CLU and Building Plan approval system, stating that separation of approvals has created delays and difficulties for industrial projects.
Grant of NOC to Existing Industrial Units on Malerkotla Road, Ludhiana: FICO requested smooth issuance of NOCs to long-established industrial units on Malerkotla Road, Ludhiana, stating that unnecessary procedural hurdles are creating uncertainty for industries.