CM Mann seeks special package for border dists

Also demands additional grants for trauma centres, bunkers and cyber security

- HT Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday sought a special industrial package for the state's six districts that share borders with Pakistan and also demanded a cash incentive for maize cultivation to replace the water-guzzling paddy crop.

At the meeting of the 10th governing council of the NITI Aayog in Delhi, Mann said to develop Punjab as an industrial hub in the country, the state government has strengthened the unified regulator model under 'Invest Punjab'.

Seeking a special industrial package for border districts, Mann said industries in these districts are disadvantaged due to their proximity to Pakistan.

Seeking parity with Jammu and Kashmir incentives for industries, Mann sought a PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme, freight subsidy, tax relief, agro-zones and others for the state.

The chief minister also asked for infrastructure grants for border resilience to ensure a comprehensive development of six border districts -- Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Pathankot.