Across the country, people often struggle with endless paperwork for even the smallest services, but Punjab has chosen a different path. The Mann government has finally delivered on a long standing public demand by making the process of getting a new electricity connection remarkably simple and transparent. What was once a frustrating and time consuming ordeal has now become easy and efficient.

For many years, residents faced repeated office visits, long queues, and piles of documents just to secure a basic power connection. The requirement of a No Objection Certificate caused the most trouble, dragging the process on for months and leaving families, farmers, and senior citizens helpless. That chapter now belongs to the past. Punjab has removed the NOC requirement completely, bringing genuine relief to thousands who were previously trapped in bureaucratic hurdles.

This reform is more than an administrative change. It reflects the joy of families finally seeing electricity reach their homes without unnecessary delays, the relief of farmers who can now power their fields without paperwork battles, and the comfort of elderly citizens who no longer need to navigate complicated formalities. The message from Punjab today is clear: processes have improved, and daily life has become easier.

The government has made it official that applying for a new electricity connection will no longer involve any kind of NOC. This decision was taken with the intention of making the system cleaner, quicker, and corruption free. It ensures that no office or agency can use paperwork as an excuse to slow down someone’s connection.

Under the new guidelines, applicants need only two essential documents. They must submit their Registry or Lease Deed to show ownership or occupancy, along with any valid proof of identity. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora confirmed that these two documents are sufficient under the revised policy.

Minister Arora also highlighted an important concern behind this decision. Many people used to install illegal power connections because the legal process was too slow. These illegal setups often led to heavy penalties, creating further conflict between consumers and authorities. With the streamlined system now in place, the government aims to eliminate both illegal connections and the complications that came with them.

This major reform reflects a shift in governance, where convenience for the public is treated as a priority. Punjab’s administration has proven that work can move forward without recommendations, bribes, or endless visits to government offices. The new system ensures that electricity reaches every house, every farm, and every small business without delay, showing that visible change is underway in the state.

At the CII Northern Region council gathering in Amritsar, industry leaders and government representatives held extensive discussions on Punjab’s economic direction. The session ended with optimism on both sides, especially after SUJAN confirmed a one hundred fifty crore rupee investment in the state’s hospitality sector, beginning with Amritsar. This commitment was viewed as a major signal of Punjab’s rising appeal for new projects, particularly in tourism.

During the meeting, CII Northern Region Chairperson Anjali Singh praised the growing confidence investors are placing in Punjab. She described the state as an increasingly attractive destination for high value investment and said that the government’s supportive reforms have created the right environment for tourism and related industries to expand. She urged Punjab to further promote its land banks, improve cold chain systems for agricultural produce, focus on heritage based tourism development, and even consider appointing brand ambassadors who can represent the state at national and global platforms.

Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora then outlined how the state is shaping a modern and responsive industrial landscape. He explained that Punjab is working with a detailed reform plan that includes the formation of twenty four sectoral committees and the preparation of a Master Industrial Policy. This policy will include specific guidelines and support structures for each major industry, ensuring investors have clarity and long term stability.

The Minister also mentioned that the state is drafting a comprehensive energy strategy that looks ahead to the year twenty thirty five. This plan examines a balanced mix of conventional and renewable sources to meet future demands. Alongside this, he updated the council about infrastructure developments. Land has already been earmarked for two new exhibition centres in Mohali and Ludhiana with tender processes underway. Work has started to identify a suitable location in Amritsar for a third such facility.

As part of the state’s efforts to streamline procedures, the Minister highlighted improvements brought under the Right to Business law. Units in the Green category and several in the Orange category will now receive approvals within five days, which is expected to reduce delays and encourage faster industrial growth.

Punjab’s logistics strength was also discussed. The state already has ten inland container depots, two freight stations, two international airports, and the Adampur airport in service. The upcoming Halwara airport is set to add further capacity and enhance connectivity for businesses and travellers.

The Punjab government used the platform to present its broader industrial reform vision, including major infrastructure projects and long term investment strategies. The approach aims to accelerate economic growth and create a forward moving industrial ecosystem that supports investors, businesses, and job creation across the state.