Mann Government’s E-Governance Reform Sparks Investment Boom in Punjab with 98% Clearance Success

Progress doesn't just mean building big roads; it means boosting the morale of small businessmen. Until a few years ago, starting a new business or getting necessary approvals for an old factory in any district of Punjab was no less than a war. Entrepreneurs would get exhausted doing rounds of government offices. Demands for bribes and the frustration of delays at every step! This system was not only breaking the dreams of the youth but also crippling Punjab's economy. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann understood this pain.

He vowed that the people of Punjab would get respect and ease. This is where the story of "District-Level Reforms" began, which is creating history today with 98 per cent success! The Mann government struck at the roots of corruption and completely changed the old, slow-paced system. Now, work at the district level will not get stuck; rather, it will move forward at rocket speed! This is not just an administrative reform—it is the beginning of respect and ease for millions of families.

How Did District-Level Reforms Transform Punjab?

This 98 per cent success rate is the victory of that small shopkeeper who no longer has to beg before an officer to expand his shop. It is the happiness of that farmer's family whose son dreamt of setting up a small Food Processing Unit in the district, and now it has been completed without any hindrance. This is the biggest thing—the common man of Punjab's faith in his government has been restored.

They are confident that under the Mann government, work is done honestly and quickly. When one gets respect and work in their own district, why will the youth look abroad? This reform is directly securing the future of Punjab's youth. Today, every district of Punjab is saying: "Now work will not get stuck, it will not stop! The Mann government has given us the power of honesty." This is not just administrative reform; it is the rebirth of Punjab's self-respect.

What Role Did the Fast-Track Punjab Portal Play?

When Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann re-launched the 'Fast-track Punjab Portal' on May 29, 2025, it made work significantly easier for investors. This achievement reflects the Punjab government's strong commitment to timely completion and transparency. Punjab has reduced its old pending cases by over 90%. In February 2025, there were 8,075 applications pending beyond their due date, which has now dropped to only 283—a 96% reduction. Similarly, at the district level, pending cases fell from 833 in February 2025 to just 17 now—a 98% disposal rate. After the re-launch of the Fast-track Punjab Portal, the results have been remarkable.

The portal has attracted projects worth $21,700$ crore, marking a 167% increase compared to 2024 and a 110% increase compared to 2023. The number of project applications has also risen to 950, showing a 76% annual growth. In the last four months, 17,006 service applications (87%) and 4,884 license applications (81%) were approved on time. Under the Punjab Right to Business Act (RTBA), projects with investments up to $125$ crore now receive swift approval. Projects within approved industrial parks get clearance within 5 days, and projects outside parks within 15-18 days, based solely on self-declaration.

What is the Fast Track Punjab Portal?

The Fast Track Punjab Portal is an online platform launched by the state government to make the process of establishing a business simple and transparent, i.e., 'Ease of Doing Business'. The feature of this portal is that any entrepreneur or company can apply for more than 100 industry-related approvals while sitting at home, and all these approvals can be obtained within 45 days. A single-window system has been implemented, eliminating the need to run between different departments. This will save time, reduce corruption, and boost investor confidence.

The industries covered include: Manufacturing units (textiles, automobiles, food processing, etc.), Renewable energy (such as solar and biogas plants), Pharmaceuticals and healthcare units, Agro-based industries, Startups and MSMEs, Hotel-hospitality projects, IT and electronics parks, logistics and warehousing sectors, etc. This portal is designed for projects with an investment of more than five crore rupees. Such projects that will create large-scale employment in the state or are bringing cutting-edge technology will benefit from fast processing on this portal.

Which Firms Will Receive the Biggest Benefits?

This reform is not just for big players like Tata Steel or Adani. Its biggest benefit has also gone to our district-level Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Previously, where a small industry had to obtain 15-20 types of certificates and permissions, the number of required documents has now been reduced to only 5-6. For setting up an industry in an industrial park, in-principle approval is granted in just 5 days.

Imagine, what used to take months, now takes 5 days! This is no less than a boon for that small artisan who wants to start his work quickly. This magic of efficiency is not just visible on paper, but also in the smiles of the youth on the ground. When our district's Collectors (Deputy Commissioners) and other officials work quickly and honestly, the trust of Punjab's youth in the system returns. They feel that now hard work matters, not connections.

How Has Investment Spread Across Punjab’s Districts?

Previously, only cities like Ludhiana or Mohali attracted investment. Now, due to the Mann government's policy of uniform development, a wave of industrial development is running at every district level. These district-level reforms don't just improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings; they ignite hope in the heart of every Punjabi. This is a strong step taken towards creating a 'Rangla Punjab,' where everyone can advance on their own merit. Our Punjab is changing, and the pivot of this change has become the office of every district! Punjab's success is setting a new example in simplifying government work and investment.

Clearing 100 per cent of old cases has not only reduced the burden on government offices but also increased investor confidence. With this reform, Punjab is becoming one of the easiest states to do business in the country. Now, no hardworking son or daughter of Punjab will be buried under a mountain of papers to start work. In this new era of reform and efficiency, the Mann government has proven that if intentions are clear, the results are tangible (on the ground).