The Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday unveiled the draft of ‘Punjab Startup and Entrepreneurship Development Policy 2017’ to support women startups.

In his inaugural address at ‘Road to Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES)’ programme ahead of the GES 2017, slated to be held in Hyderabad later in November, the Amarinder said that women were more dedicated towards industrial entrepreneurship and his government was doing everything possible to facilitate them.

He said the new policy will go a long way in boosting the state’s efforts to promote entrepreneurial culture, especially among women.

Inviting suggestions and feedback to the draft policy, the CM said his government was focused on making the state competitive for industrialists.

He added that the draft policy, along with the industrial policy, would facilitate industrial development in the state.

He cited his government’s decision to fix power rate at `5 per unit for industries, along with other measures being taken to boost industries, as being motivated by the motto of ‘Business First’.

The Congress leader added that his government was focused on empowerment of women and was enhancing their participation in decision-making.

Amarinder also said that the state has increased women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies to 50 per cent while expressing the hope that other states would follow Punjab’s example in the matter of reservation of seats for women.

He said that the women empowerment was critical to the development of the state.

He added that during his meetings with captains of industry, he had mentioned to ICICI Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chanda Kochhar that the best way to help Punjab was to enhance the income of the women of the house.

Lauding women for their stellar role in the development of India as a brand, the CM cited the example of PepsiCo Chairperson and CEO Indra Nooyi, who had emerged as a role model for all visionary and successful women.

Blaming the previous government in Punjab for not doing enough for the technology-driven industry, Amarinder said his government was committed to getting the state back on the track of progress.

He also lamented the lack of thrust on industry in Punjab over the years, with agriculture being promoted more than other sectors, causing the state to lag behind on industrial and other important fronts.