category Regional, amritsar, , tags Regional, amritsar, , DW BUREAU Amritsar Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the current political stability and quick decision-making mechanism, along with out-of-box ideas, will soon make Punjab a front running industrial state in the country. Interacting with industrialists here during the run-up for progressive Punjab Investment Summit scheduled to be held on February 23-24 in Mohali, he said Punjabis are born to be number one as they have traits of hard work and dedication in their blood. Mann said due to this spirit, the Punjabis have always excelled in every sphere, adding the entrepreneurs from the state have carved a niche for themselves across the globe. The day is not far when Punjab will be on the high growth trajectory of industrial growth, he added. Announcing a major boost to the tourism industry across the state by harnessing the immense potential of this sector, the Chief Minister said the state is blessed with several natural resources which can be developed into international tourist points. The government is coming up with a concrete proposal for developing Ranjit Sagar Dam, Chohal Dam, Nurpur Bedi, and others into tourist destinations. Mann said these tourist spots have huge potential to put the state on the roadmap of international tourism. The Chief Minister said the holy city of Amritsar will be further developed into a hub of religious and patriotic tourism. No stone will be left for this noble cause and every effort will be made for the promotion of the tourism sector. He assured the local industrialists that while promoting the tourism sector, preference will be given to the local industry. Rather than inviting the big players from within the country and abroad, priority will be given to the local industrialists for developing these tourism spots, he said. Mann said this will allow the local industrialists to flex their muscles in the sector and emerge Punjab as a hub of tourism. The Chief Minister also said the government is also planning to boost the agro-industry in a big way. He said Punjab produces 80 per cent of the total Basmati produced in the country, adding this production will be further enhanced in the coming days. He said that this will revolutionise the industrial sector on one hand and supplement the income of farmers besides saving the precious natural resource in the form of water. The Chief Minister, while striking an emotional chord with the entrepreneurs, asked them not to go anywhere and rather focus on expanding their business here to serve their motherland. He said that the state government is already providing a conducive environment to industry in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that Punjabi entrepreneurs have proved their mettle across the globe and now they should focus on growth within the state. The Chief Minister said that this will open new vistas of employment for youth besides giving a major push to industry. He also announced that the state government will soon introduce colour coding for stamp papers to facilitate the industrialists for early clearance of their projects. Bhagwant Mann said that massive efforts are also afoot for starting domestic flights from Adampur, Halwara and Bhisiana airports to facilitate the industry. The Chief Minister quipped that earlier the industries used to sign MOUs with the families in power but ever since he has assumed charge of government, the agreements are signed for people of state. He said that earlier the affluent families used to get benefit of these agreements but now Punjabis will enjoy its fruits. Bhagwant Mann said that this is because his government is working untiringly for the well being of every strata of society. The Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced the new industrial Policy for Punjab to give further impetus to Industry and commerce. He said that this policy has been framed after due consultations with all the stakeholders especially the industrialists. Bhagwant Mann said that any other suggestion in regard to this policy is always welcome. The Chief Minister quipped that the traditional political parties are envious of him because they are not able to digest that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively. He said that the people of the state have lost their faith in the traditional political parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance adding that the wise and brave people of the state had ousted these parties during the 2022 assembly polls due to which they are frustrated now. Bhagwant Mann said that the leaders of these parties are now ganging up with each other to mislead the people. However, the Chief Minister unequivocally said that all these things will not deter him from taking path breaking initiatives for welfare of the state and prosperity of its people. He said that the day is not far when due to concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab will witness holistic progress in every sphere. Bhagwant Mann also solicited fulsome support and cooperation of people for this cause. (editor dailyworld.in)