Chandigarh:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today called for working closely with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote sustainable management of crop residues, strengthen the horticulture sector through exchange of knowledge and technology and skilling the youth to take industrial development in the state to new heights.
Major issues discussed in the meeting
CII During the meeting with the delegation, the Chief Minister stressed on judicious use of resources to benefit farmers, tackling climate change and adopting clean technology. They also discussed the initiatives taken in Malwa region, especially in Sangrur and Barnala as well as new skill development and technology based initiatives including the proposed Multi-Skill Training Institute at Ludhiana and setting up of Center of Excellence for Technical Textiles with state-of-the-art laboratory at Jalandhar.
Sharing information regarding the meeting, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said on his X account, "Today in Chandigarh my CII. An important meeting was held with the Chairman of Northern Region. During the meeting we had extensive discussions regarding industrial development in Punjab, attracting new investments and creating more employment opportunities for the youth. Our government is continuously working to make Punjab a leading industrial center of the country and to create a business-friendly environment. We are fully committed to strengthening the economy of Punjab."
Emphasis on environmental protection
CII While presiding over the meeting with the delegation, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "Punjab Government and CII to prevent environmental pollution. It is very important to work together. Our focus should be on sustainability, judicious use of resources, tackling climate change and clean technology. On one hand this will benefit the farmers and on the other hand it will help in making Punjab clean, green and pollution free."
Chief Minister CII Called for intensifying efforts for disposal of crop residues in Malwa region, especially Sangrur and Barnala, where Parmal variety of paddy is cultivated, as well as in other parts of Punjab.
He said, "Punjab is committed to adopt sustainable and technology based solutions for crop residue management. Government, industry and other stakeholders need to work together to provide practical, affordable and effective solutions to farmers and move the state forward towards a clean and healthy future."
Collaboration on visit to World Horticulture Center
Chief Minister CII CII to streamline visit of 'World Horticulture Centre' to India during Agro Tech India 2026 Gave assurance of full cooperation. He said, "Punjab will greatly benefit from such visits through exchange of knowledge and expertise in both agricultural and industrial sectors."
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann laid special emphasis on exchange of knowledge and technology cooperation to strengthen the horticulture sector of Punjab and benefit the farmers of the state. He also stressed the need to strengthen industrial and urban infrastructure at major centers to improve ease of doing business and living standards.
Need for modern infrastructure
The Chief Minister said that modern and well-planned infrastructure is very important to increase ease of doing business, reduce costs and attract investment in the state. He said, "The Punjab Government is committed to ensuring reliable and quality power supply to industrial areas as well as removing critical infrastructure bottlenecks affecting industrial activities."
Bhagwant Singh Mann urged CII to set up the proposed Multi-Skill Training Institute (MSTI) in Ludhiana. Assuring full cooperation, he said that such initiative is the need of the hour.
Benefits of skill development
The Chief Minister said, "The proposed multi-skill training institute will help in creating skilled human resources in Punjab to meet the requirements of the local industry and will also open new avenues of employment for the youth. Promoting skill development as per the needs of the industrial sector is very important to strengthen the economic development of Punjab."
The Chief Minister further said that CII. should explore the possibility of setting up a 'Centre of Excellence for Technical Textile' in Punjab with a state-of-the-art laboratory at Jalandhar. He also stressed the need to establish special skill centers for defense manufacturing industries to provide trained human resources and to give further impetus to economic activities in the state.
During the meeting, special focus was placed on further strengthening government-industry cooperation in agriculture, crop residue management, horticulture, infrastructure, skill development and emerging industrial sectors. The common objective of the meeting was to promote sustainable development and create more employment opportunities for the youth of Punjab.