Chandigarh, October 30, 2025: What once took months and several visits to district offices in Punjab now takes days, thanks to a sweeping digital reform under the state’s e-governance initiative. Nearly 98% of industrial applications are being cleared at the district level through the ‘Fast Track Punjab Portal,’ officials confirmed on Thursday.
Introduced under the Mann government’s “District-Level Reforms” programme, the online system has redefined business facilitation across Punjab. The portal, re-launched in May 2025, has led to a drastic reduction in pendency — from over 8,000 applications earlier this year to under 300 now.
“The days of running from office to office are over,” Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said while reviewing progress. “This reform ensures respect for entrepreneurs and speed in every district.”
The change has spurred record investor interest. According to official figures, new investment proposals worth ₹21,700 crore have come through the portal since May — a 167% rise over last year. The number of applications has climbed to 950, up 76% year-on-year.
The Punjab Right to Business Act now ensures that projects up to ₹125 crore receive time-bound clearances — within five days for those inside industrial parks and up to 18 days for those outside. “Our district offices have become investment gateways, not bottlenecks,” said a senior officer from the industry department.
The system allows entrepreneurs to apply online for over 100 types of industry-related permissions, including for food processing, textiles, renewable energy, and logistics. Applications are processed through a single window, often within 45 days.
Small business owners say the digital shift has removed one of their biggest worries — delays. “Getting a license no longer feels like a battle,” said Rajdeep Kaur, who runs a food packaging unit in Patiala. “I applied online and got approval within a week.”
Officials said 87% of service applications and 81% of license requests were approved within deadlines during the past four months. Pending cases at the district level have dropped by 98%, signaling improved accountability.
Analysts view the trend as a critical shift from paperwork to performance. The system, they say, has helped restore investor confidence, especially in smaller towns previously left behind by industrial policy.
“Investment is no longer confined to Ludhiana or Mohali,” said an industry association representative. “District-level transparency has made smaller towns viable for new enterprises.”
While officials credit digital governance for the turnaround, observers say the real test will be sustaining this momentum. For now, the reform appears to have brought relief to business owners long frustrated by delays — a sign that Punjab’s administrative machinery may finally be catching up with its entrepreneurial spirit.
