Punjab industry to stage mock Parliament on Jan 17

With the assembly elections of Punjab slated for February 13, the Apex Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Punjab) has decided to organise a mock Parliament session at the Hotel Baron on January 17 to apprise the political class about industry's requirements.

The organisors said they have sent invitations to representations of all major political parties in the state to be part of the mock session.

Speaking to Business Standard, the association's president, P D Sharma, said: "We have prepared detailed questionnaires on problems and requirements of industry and trade (lobby). At the mock Parliament session, political leaders from all parties will be asked to reply to the questions with firm commitment."

Sharma said all associations of industry and trade from the state will participate in the event, adding that a select group of intellectuals will also come seeking clarifications from the political parties.

According to Sharma, industry owners will seek clarifications, answers and assurances from the politicians about the state's acute power shortage, stringent electricity act needed to stop power theft, issues related to Value Added Tax (VAT) and schemes planned for industries among other issues.