Punjab Government Removes Fire NOC Renewal Requirement & Eases Factory Regulations — CICU Welcomes Bold Reforms
In a significant move aimed at simplifying industrial regulations and promoting ease of doing business, the Punjab Government has announced a series of pro-industry reforms through Notification dated April 5, 2025. The decision, welcomed widely by the business community, includes eliminating the requirement for periodic renewal of Fire NOC for factories, among other key regulatory relaxations.
City Air News
Apr 7, 2025 08:45
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Ludhiana, April 7, 2025: In a significant move aimed at simplifying industrial regulations and promoting ease of doing business, the Punjab Government has announced a series of pro-industry reforms through Notification dated April 5, 2025. The decision, welcomed widely by the business community, includes eliminating the requirement for periodic renewal of Fire NOC for factories, among other key regulatory relaxations.
The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), which had been persistently raising this issue with the authorities, has expressed deep appreciation for the government’s responsiveness.
Speaking on the development, Upkar Singh Ahuja, President of CICU, said, “This is a historic step in the direction of administrative reform. We commend the Punjab Government for acting decisively on our long-pending demand. As the Punjabi saying goes – ‘Jithe rukh lagda hai, uthe chhaan zaroor mildi hai’ – wherever sincere effort is made, benefits surely follow.”
He said according to the official notification, the reforms include: Fire NOC once issued to a factory will no longer require renewal, unless there are specific safety concerns or structural changes that demand re-evaluation; Factory building plans up to 15 meters in height no longer need pre-approval from the Chief Inspector of Factories. Factory owners can now submit self-certified plans, speeding up the construction and expansion process; and Factory license renewals will be granted without the need for a field inspection in low-risk and compliant categories, saving time and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
These changes are expected to ease operational burdens for thousands of industries in Punjab, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and are likely to attract new investments into the state.
“This reformative approach by the Punjab Government reflects its strong will to promote industrial development and job creation,” Ahuja added. “It’s not just a policy change — it’s a shift in mind-set.”
Industry stakeholders believe these initiatives will reduce compliance costs, eliminate unnecessary delays, and foster a pro-business environment across Punjab. CICU officials have also confirmed their continued collaboration with the government on further reforms to ensure Punjab remains one of India’s most industry-friendly states.
