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Punjab News: Bhagwant Mann Govt Reforms Fire NOC Rules Under New Industrial Policy to Curb Corruption, Ease Business in Punjab

Punjab News: The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has announced key reforms to the Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) regulations under its newly launched Industrial Policy.

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Neha Kumari
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Bhagwant Mann

The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has announced key reforms to the Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) regulations under its newly launched Industrial Policy. The move is aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, eliminating corruption, and modernizing compliance processes for industries in the state. 

 Major Changes Announced:

Extended Validity Period for Fire NOCs:

Low-risk industries: Valid for 5 years

Medium-risk industries: Valid for 3 years

High-risk industries: Valid for 1 year (unchanged)

Fully Online Annual Certification:

Businesses can now complete their annual fire safety certification online, reducing in-person procedures and paperwork.

Online Fire Safety Plan Approval:

Entrepreneurs can submit and receive approvals for their building's fire safety plans via a digital portal.

Crackdown on Corruption:

These reforms aim to end exploitation and bribery previously reported in the Fire NOC issuance process.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond highlighted that the initiative aligns with CM Bhagwant Mann’s vision of a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly Punjab. The move is expected to attract new businesses, safeguard public safety, and strengthen the industrial framework of the state.

The new rules are expected to benefit thousands of MSMEs and new investors who often face bureaucratic hurdles during licensing and compliance. By making the process predictable and transparent, the Punjab Government is attempting to boost confidence among domestic and international investors.

Additionally, the streamlined system is expected to reduce human interface, which has historically been a breeding ground for middlemen and unofficial payments. The state aims to transition into a self-certification model backed by real-time online verifications wherever possible.

Bhagwant Mann