SAD will establish ‘Build Punjab’ department, says Badal

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), a major political force in Punjab, revealed on Tuesday that it will create a dedicated Build Punjab department. The department is intended to streamline approvals, provide infrastructure support, and attract investment in manufacturing and technology sectors. By consolidating various development functions under one roof, the government hopes to reduce bureaucratic delays that have historically slowed project execution in the state.

In a related move, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal said the new policy will let industrialists set up their own solar power plants on factory premises. The government expects that self‑generated solar energy will bring the cost of electricity down to ₹1.50 per unit for participating firms. This price is significantly lower than the current average industrial tariff in Punjab, which hovers around ₹5 to ₹6 per unit, and the reduction is expected to improve profit margins and make the state more attractive to domestic and foreign investors.

For readers across India, the announcement matters because energy costs are a major factor in the competitiveness of Indian industry. Lower power rates could spur job creation in Punjab, a state that already supplies a large share of the nation’s agricultural output. If the model proves successful, other states may adopt similar policies, influencing national energy planning and the broader push toward renewable power sources. The initiative also aligns with India’s goal of expanding solar capacity to meet climate commitments while supporting economic growth.