FICO Submits Memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana for Immediate Resolution of Industrial Issues

Ludhiana, July 21, 2026: The first Industry–Administration Meeting was held today under the Chairmanship of Himanshu Jain, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, with the objective of addressing the long-pending issues being faced by the industrial fraternity and ensuring better coordination between the administration and industry. S.S. Rekhi General Manager District Industries Centre, Ludhiana was also present. 
Representing the Federation of Industrial & Commercial Organization (FICO) were Gurmeet Singh Kular, President; Rajeev Jain, Senior Vice President; Satnam Singh Makkar, Propaganda Secretary; Narinder Panesar; and Vinod Thapar, Executive Members, who submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the key concerns of the industrial sector and sought their early resolution.
Unscheduled Power Cuts & Poor Quality of Power Supply: FICO highlighted that industries across Ludhiana are facing frequent power tripping, voltage fluctuations, low voltage, and unscheduled power cuts, resulting in production losses, damage to machinery, delayed deliveries, and increased manufacturing costs. FICO further pointed out that industries connected to Category-II and Category-III feeders continue to pay Fixed Charges, Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF), and other charges despite power restrictions during night hours, leading to financial hardship. FICO urged the administration to coordinate with PSPCL to ensure uninterrupted, quality power supply and review the existing charging mechanism for affected industries.
Mixed Land Use (MLU) Areas: The Consent to Operate (CTO) for industries functioning in Mixed Land Use (MLU) Areas is set to expire in September 2026, making it imperative for the Punjab Government to announce a permanent policy well before the deadline. FICO emphasized that repeated temporary extensions only create uncertainty and are not a sustainable solution for the industrial sector. FICO demanded that the existing Mixed Land Use Areas be regularized and declared as Industrial Areas. If relocation is considered unavoidable, the Government should introduce a comprehensive migration policy with a free land bank, free shifting of power connections, capital investment subsidy, a special relocation package, and a time-bound roadmap prepared in consultation with industry associations.
Garbage Dumps in Focal Points: FICO raised serious concerns over the poor civic conditions prevailing in the Industrial Focal Points. Garbage from adjoining residential areas and labour colonies is being dumped on roadsides, turning industrial estates into dumping grounds and creating an unhygienic environment. 
Restoration of Street Lights: FICO informed the Deputy Commissioner that nearly 2,200 street light points across various Industrial Focal Points remain non-functional, creating serious security concerns for industrial workers and entrepreneurs. Poor lighting has contributed to rising incidents of theft, snatching, and other criminal activities, particularly during evening and night hours. FICO requested immediate restoration of all street lights.
Industries on Malerkotla Road: FICO Demanded the immediate grant of NOCs and statutory approvals to existing industrial units located on Malerkotla Road in the villages of Gill, Rania, Sangowal, and Alamgir. These units have been operating for the last 35–40 years and have made significant contributions to employment generation, industrial development, and Punjab's economy. However, they continue to face difficulties in obtaining approvals from GLADA and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). The notification dated 24.09.2021 is applicable to new industrial establishments and should not be applied to long existing industrial units established much before its issuance, and urged the authorities to grant the required NOCs without further delay.
The Deputy Commissioner patiently heard the concerns raised by FICO and assured the delegation that all issues would be taken up with the concerned departments for early resolution. He emphasized that the district administration remains committed to maintaining regular dialogue with industry and extending all possible support for the growth of Ludhiana's industrial sector.