LUB Team Engages with Additional Chief Secretary to Address Fire NOC and Compliance Challenges
A delegation from Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) Punjab recently met with Mr. Tejvir Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Local Bodies) and Chief Secretary (Department of Industries) to discuss critical issues related to Fire NOC compliance, fire safety norms, and the delinking of factory licenses from Fire NOC requirements. The delegation highlighted the challenges MSMEs face in obtaining Fire NOCs, including bureaucratic delays, high compliance costs, and procedural hurdles that make it difficult for small businesses to operate efficiently. They emphasized that current fire safety regulations, primarily designed for large-scale industries, create obstacles for small enterprises, particularly those operating in legacy industrial areas where meeting modern fire safety norms is challenging. The delegation strongly advocated for delinking factory licenses from Fire NOCs, proposing that industries be allowed to operate under provisional licenses while implementing fire safety measures in a phased manner.
During the discussion, LUB representatives also suggested simplifying fire safety compliance for MSMEs by introducing self-certification and third-party audits, which would reduce bureaucratic intervention while maintaining safety standards. They further emphasized the need for a more transparent approval process to ensure timely issuance of Fire NOCs and reduce disruptions in business operations. The delegation urged the government to develop a practical compliance framework that balances regulatory requirements with ease of doing business, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for MSME growth.
In response, Mr. Tejvir Singh, IAS, assured the LUB team of his full cooperation and support in addressing these concerns. He acknowledged the complexities surrounding Fire NOC approvals and expressed the government’s commitment to reviewing policies to streamline the process. He also assured that necessary discussions would be conducted at the departmental level to evaluate the feasibility of delinking factory licenses from Fire NOCs and implementing more business-friendly compliance mechanisms. Additionally, he emphasized strengthening digital tracking systems for Fire NOCs to enhance transparency and reduce processing times.
The meeting was attended by key LUB Punjab representatives, including Mr. Ashok Sethi (State Vice President), Mr. Mukhinder Singh (State Secretary), Mr. Ashok Gupta (State President), Mr. Pardeep Mongia (State General Secretary), Mr. Anil Sharma (State Secretary), and Mr. Arvind Bagga (Secretary, LUB Phagwara). Moving forward, LUB Punjab will continue to engage with policymakers to ensure the discussed issues are addressed effectively. The delegation will also monitor progress on Fire NOC policy reforms, gather feedback from MSMEs, and propose an industry-government task force to oversee policy revisions. This engagement underscores LUB Punjab’s commitment to ensuring a balance between regulatory compliance and industrial growth, advocating for policy changes that empower MSMEs, and creating a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs across the state.
