Punjab Unveils Ambitious IT Vision at Progressive Investors' Summit 2026
On the concluding day of the Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026, a dedicated session on Information Technology and IT-enabled Services spotlighted Punjab's strategic push to become a premier destination for technological investment and digital innovation. Held in Chandigarh, the event brought together key government officials and industry experts to outline the state's transformative roadmap.
Mohali Targeted as Tier 1 IT Hub
Addressing the gathering, Seema Bansal, Vice-Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission (PDC), articulated the government's resolute aim to elevate Mohali into a Tier 1 town within the IT sector. "The Punjab government is focusing on the foundational pillars of governance, academia, and infrastructure to achieve this vision," she stated. Bansal further highlighted that numerous manufacturing industries in the state have already begun successfully integrating Artificial Intelligence technologies into their production processes, showcasing Punjab's readiness for advanced digital adoption.
Comprehensive Incentive Package Announced
Additional Chief Secretary for IT, Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari, detailed a robust suite of incentives under the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 designed to boost the IT industry. Key fiscal benefits for IT and ITeS units include:
- A 75% net SGST reimbursement for a period of 10 to 15 years.
- An employment generation subsidy of Rs 5,000 per employee per month for five years.
- A capital subsidy of up to 20% of Fixed Capital Investment, capped at Rs 10 crore.
- A 100% exemption on electricity duty for 10 to 15 years.
For Global Capability Centres, Tiwari announced an enhanced employment generation subsidy of Rs 7,500 per employee per month for five years, applicable to the first 10 units. He also emphasized non-fiscal advantages such as time-bound clearances within 5 to 45 working days, exemption from the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA) 1995 for all IT parks, relaxed setbacks, and unlimited floor area ratio (FAR) allowed on roads with a Right of Way of 45 metres.
Expert Panel Weighs In on Opportunities
A panel of industry leaders shared insights on the burgeoning opportunities in Punjab's IT sector. Participants included Dr. Bimal Deep Singh, Client Solution Head for Large Deals at Infosys; Manipal Dhariwal, CEO of Netsmartz; Rajwinder Singh Boparai, Senior Regional President at US Logistics Private Limited; and Baljit Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Dev Global University based in Flower Mound, Texas. Their discussions underscored the potential for growth and collaboration in the region, aligning with the state's proactive policy framework.
This summit session marks a significant step in Punjab's journey to attract substantial investments and foster a dynamic ecosystem for technology and innovation, positioning the state as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
