Regional industrial development under liberal economic regime in Punjab

The objective of this study was two-fold, firstly, it analysed industrial development trends and deceleration across major Indian states since 1980-81 and, investigated industrial development in Punjab, a mineral resources deprived and a land-locked state. It was important as the policy changed at the national level in 1991 and removed various benefits for industrial development in mineral-resources deprived regions and economically backward regions. To analyse the objective, both primary as well as secondary information was used. Findings of the study highlighted that industrial restructuring took place across major states in India during 1980-81 to 2017-18. In general, economically poor states and mineral resources deprived states witnessed the deceleration of the industrial sector. The position of the industrial sector in Punjab declined as compared to other states and compared to its past. The discussions with various stakeholders, including sampled industrial units, representatives of industrial associations, etc., highlighted various economic and non-economic factors behind the ongoing industrial deceleration in Punjab.