Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Punjab) highlights key industrial issues 

Ludhiana, September 12, 2024:   Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Punjab) president Rajnish Ahuja along with other office-bearers addressed a press conference here on Wednesday and highlighted achievements of the Chamber besides issues being faced by the industry at the state and the central government level.

Ahuja appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister, Punjab Bhagwant Mann for inviting big players for investment in the state. At the same time, he said industry is becoming sick day by day because in Punjab approximately 90% industry belongs to micro & small which is struggling due to power supply issues. He said the frequent cuts damage CNC machines. The industry has to run their unit on generators sets which squeeze their income. The hikes in diesel prices added to their misery, he added.

Ahuja also spoke about law & order problems and incidents of snatchings occurring in the state, resulting to which migratory workers are not coming to Punjab rather many have gone back. He regretted that the industry department is not listening micro & small units’ voice. He said OTS in PSIEC & PSPCL is major demand for survival. He also expressed concern over encroachment along the roads in the city, resulting to which commuters face many difficulties. He also regretted that city roads are full of potholes and condition of sewerage manholes is pathetic which are inviting accidents. He also expressed his concern over poor condition of Buddha Nullah. He said it needs government attention.

Further, Ahuja also raised issues related to the Centre. He said the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the MSME Act 2006 more stringent by amending clause 43 B(H) for the betterment of micro & small. But this has rather impacted negative due to advantage to medium units. He said, “We have requested her to add medium units in the said clause, which is part of MSME Act.” He said GST rates of different slabs such as 12% to 28% having different HSN codes give boost to dishonest people and honest people become sufferer. He pointed out that the solution is one rate instead of different rates such as 12%,18% & 28% being the concept of GST one nation one tax. Also, he said faceless scrutiny in Income tax Department is good initiative, but in appeal cases, personal hearing be made optional.

Ahuja also said that they also had two meetings with Sanjeev Arora, MP (Rajya Sabha). He added MP Arora is the coordinator & bridge between industry and the government. He understands the issues represent and supports the cause of industry. He said all the pending issues with Punjab and Central Government are being represented by MP Arora as advocate of Industry. He remarked, “MP Arora is doing best efforts for early opening of Airport also.”