The Fact News Service
Ludhiana, July 22
Punjab Minister for Industry & Commerce and Investment Promotion Sanjeev Arora today met the Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi and presented him a letter demanding urgent support for Punjab’s sports goods sector.
In a statement here today, Arora said he apprised the Union Minister about Punjab’s sports goods sector, particularly centered in Jalandhar, stating that it holds immense export potential but faces critical infrastructural and policy challenges.
Arora sought the Union Minister’s intervention on certain pressing issues. Regarding the pending approval for the establishment of a Technology Extension Centre of PPDC Meerut at Jalandhar, he said the State Government has already provided built-up space for the Centre. However, the approval from the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, has been pending for over eight months.
Arora also pointed out that the industry lacks funds to adopt eco-friendly materials and packaging, and requested incentives and research grants.
On the issue of policy inclusion, he said this sector is not being covered under ‘Make in India’ and PLI schemes, and requested its inclusion along with the creation of an SEZ in Jalandhar.
He also urged for creating testing infrastructure, stating that no international-standard testing labs (e.g., FIFA/FIBA/ICC) are available so far. He, therefore, requested for a certified facility in Punjab.
Arora said the Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi has assured full support to the issues raised by him.
During the meeting, Arora presented a bouquet to Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi on behalf of his home state.
