Chandigarh, June 9 (IANS) Saying that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is also a startup that cleaned the political system, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday distributed seed grants of Rs 1.07 crore among 31 startups and their founders.

Describing startups as a key pillar of the state’s future economic growth, the Chief Minister said the Punjab government is committed to ensuring that no promising idea is abandoned due to lack of financial support.

He added that under the Punjab Startup and Industrial Policy of 2026, seed grant assistance has been enhanced from Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh, with seven startups receiving grants of Rs 5 lakh each and 24 startups receiving Rs 3 lakh each.

He expressed confidence that these ventures would create thousands of employment opportunities and help reduce the need for youth to move abroad in search of jobs.

Emphasising that innovation has become a defining feature of governance in the state, Chief Minister Mann said that initiatives such as free electricity, daytime power supply to farmers and several other reforms have demonstrated how new ideas can deliver direct benefits to people.

He added that with sustained support for entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise, Punjab is firmly on the path to becoming the startup hub of India.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mann added, “Today is a historic day for Punjab’s industry, especially for our young entrepreneurs who are beginning their business journey with innovative ideas and a spirit of innovation.”

“Seed grants of Rs 1.07 crore are being distributed among 31 startups. Seven startups are receiving grants of Rs 5 lakh each, while 24 startups are receiving grants of Rs 3 lakh each. These young entrepreneurs are turning their dreams into reality through innovative ideas and they truly deserve this support,” the Chief Minister said.

Drawing a parallel between entrepreneurship and politics, he added that the AAP itself was born from an idea at a time when dynastic politics dominated the country and the common man had been sidelined.

“In many ways, AAP was also a startup that cleaned the political system with its symbol of the broom.”

“In the 2022 Assembly elections, the people of Punjab rejected seven former Chief Ministers and their families and gave an opportunity to an honest government. That decision has transformed Punjab and made it a frontrunner state in the country,” CM Mann added.

–IANS

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