Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Monday, 2 November unveiled a series of pre-election pledges for Punjab's trade and industry, promising a dedicated government-purchase quota for 'Made in Punjab' products and flat-rate industrial power at ₹5 per unit if his party forms the next state government. Badal made the announcements during outreach meetings with business communities in Fatehgarh Sahib and Nabha.

Key Announcements for Industry

Badal pledged that a future SAD government would reserve a special procurement quota exclusively for locally manufactured goods, aiming to boost Punjab's industrial base. He also promised that all new small-scale and medium enterprises (SMEs) would be permitted to retain the state Goods and Services Tax (GST) component — a direct financial incentive to encourage fresh investment and unit formation.

On power, he committed to supplying electricity to the entire industrial sector at ₹5 per unit, positioning it as a relief measure against the high energy costs that industry representatives have long complained about.

Rahat Scheme and End of 'Inspector Raj'

The SAD President announced the re-introduction of the Rahat scheme, under which traders would be able to settle their tax liabilities through a lump-sum payment, eliminating the need to maintain detailed accounts. “This scheme will end the need for traders to keep accounts and they will be able to complete their tax liabilities by paying lump-sum tax,” he said.

Responding to a question from a member of the Fatehgarh Sahib Silai Machine Association, Badal also declared an end to what he termed 'Inspector Raj' — the practice of government officials visiting business premises for compliance checks. “We will end Inspector Raj once and for all. No government official will come to your premises and harass you,” he said.

Focal Point in Sirhind Proposed

Badal announced plans to establish a Focal Point industrial hub in Sirhind across 1,000 acres, citing the town's geographic advantages. The proposed cluster is intended to attract investment by leveraging Sirhind's location along key trade and transport corridors in the state.

A Direct Appeal to Voters

Framing the pledges as election promises contingent on voter choice, Badal urged the business community to evaluate the SAD government's past record against the Congress and the current Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration. “If SAD has made Punjab power surplus, created a world-class road network, built airports and brought in investment into the state, then you should bring in a SAD government in the next elections,” he said.

He warned that “one wrong decision could result in wasting five more years,” in a pointed message about the upcoming state assembly elections. The pledges signal SAD's attempt to reclaim its traditional support base among Punjab's traders and small industrialists, a constituency that has drifted toward rival parties in recent election cycles.