Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday announced to set up a dedicated MSME Marketing Cell, besides establishing a Rs 100 crore Startup Fund in a focused endeavour to boost the MSME sector and the Startup culture in the state.

The MSME Marketing Cell will work for forming trade linkages for Punjab MSMEs, said an official spokesperson, giving details of various decisions taken by the Chief Minister after two days of deliberations during the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit (PPIS) 2019.

Giving details of the Startup Fund, the spokesperson said that it will be set up by the State Government in partnership with IKG Punjab Technical University, for the promotion of incubators, providing seed or scale up funding to Startups.

Of this, 25 percent shall be used to promote SC and women entrepreneurs, he said, adding that VCs or Angel Networks like Indian Angel Network and Bharat Fund may contribute to this corpus fund.

In a major reform measure, responding to the industry’s concerns about the interference by regulatory bodies for environment and pollution, Capt Amarinder also decided on ‘Auto Consent to the Green Category Industry on Intimation’.

With this, the State Government will do away with inspection by any regulatory body and consent shall be given to the industry the same day of intimation, said the spokesperson.

Further, to encourage the non-paddy based agri processing sector to wean the farmers away from paddy, thereby saving water and preventing air pollution from stubble burning, the Chief Minister has decided on certain amendments to the GST reimbursement policy for this purpose. Based on his discussions with the UAE delegation, led by their Ambassador to India, Capt Amarinder has directed Invest Punjab to immediately establish a ‘Dedicated UAE Desk’ at their office, said the spokesperson.

To take the PPIS agenda forward, the Chief Minister has also ordered a monthly round table to be conducted at the level of the Chief Secretary with the partner countries of the Summit by rotation.

Spokesperson said that Capt Amarinder has taken cognizance of the suggestions and recommendations that emerged from the discussions.

Taking note of the key takeaways from each engagement, interaction as well as session, he has decided to constitute a Working Group, chaired by the Chief Secretary, within seven days, to ensure expeditious delivery on all points.

A report shall be submitted by the Working Group on the feasibility of implementing suggested policy measures within a month.

In response to some other concerns and demands raised by the industry to boost ease of business, Capt Amarinder has decided on giving permission for sale of independent floors in apartment buildings, and for a minimum FAR of three, throughout the State.

He has also agreed to bring in a land leasing law, as urged by industry, at the earliest, said the spokesperson.

Spokesperson added that the Chief Minister has also taken note of the need to market the state more aggressively, both in terms of its tourism potential and investment opportunities.