In a strong push to position Chandigarh as a more startup-friendly and business-oriented Union Territory, Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad on Monday reviewed the performance of the Industries Department for 2025-26 and directed officials to accelerate reforms aimed at boosting industrial growth and ease of doing business.
The high-level review meeting focused on speeding up startup recognition, strengthening MSME support systems and resolving long-pending industrial grievances.
STARTUP POLICY ROLLOUT GETS DEADLINE
Stressing the need for faster implementation, the Chief Secretary ordered the immediate rollout of the Chandigarh Startup Policy, 2025.
Officials were directed to recognise at least 150 startups within the next three months. Prasad also asked the department to expedite the empanelment of incubators and operationalise startup grant disbursal mechanisms at the earliest.
The move is expected to strengthen Chandigarh’s emerging innovation ecosystem and encourage entrepreneurship among young professionals and small businesses.
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FOCUS ON MSME SUPPORT
During the review, officials informed the Chief Secretary that the department is currently supporting more than 65,000 Udyam-registered MSMEs across the Union Territory through policy support and facilitation measures.
The administration is aiming to further improve the industrial ecosystem by simplifying procedures and ensuring faster service delivery for entrepreneurs and enterprises.
GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL UNDER SCANNER
Prasad also reviewed pending delayed-payment disputes under the Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC).
He directed officials to ensure quicker disposal of cases and timely grievance redressal for small businesses facing payment delays.
Officials informed the meeting that 105 MSEFC-related cases have already been resolved during the current financial year.
The review reflects the Chandigarh administration’s broader push towards improving investor confidence, supporting startups and creating a more efficient business environment in the Union Territory.
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