All Punjab Crushers Association Flags Operational Challenges,

All Punjab Crushers Association Flags Operational Challenges,

Seeks Urgent Govt Intervention

Chandigarh 13 October ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The All Punjab Crushers Association has raised serious concerns over operational difficulties, procedural bottlenecks, technical glitches and multiple financial levies affecting the stone crusher industry across Punjab. The association has urged the state government to take immediate corrective measures to ensure smooth operations, transparent procedures and a viable business environment for the industry.

Addressing a press conference, All Punjab Crushers Association Chairman Major BD Gupta and President Manpreet Singh Gill said that if the flaws being faced are not resolved soon, the industry will be forced to stop operations and launch a state-wide agitation. Association representatives emphasized that the crusher industry provides essential construction materials for roads, bridges, highways and other construction projects in Punjab, contributing significantly to the state's development, yet it is being neglected.Gill informed that these units were previously under the Industries Department and operated with valid approvals from the Punjab Pollution Control Board. Since being placed under the Mines Department in 2015, the industry has faced constant policy instability and legal disputes. The association clarified that crushers are not miners but an organised industry that buys raw material from the mines and duly pays royalty, GST and every rupee of revenue to the state treasury.

One of the major concerns is frequent power failure, which disrupts vehicle loading and hampers operations. The association has sought clarity on permissions and protocols for using high-capacity generator sets to minimize downtime. It has also pointed to repeated technical failures on the departmental portal, which prevent the generation of mandatory Q-bills, leaving loaded vehicles stranded and causing unnecessary delays. The association further demanded a time-bound mechanism for processing stock returns and resolving pending decisions on expansion-factor calculations. It called for a transparent and standardized policy to eliminate ambiguity and ensure uniform implementation across the state. Raising concerns over departmental procedures, the association said discrepancies flagged through the portal were often overlooked, while industry members continued to receive notices despite following prescribed processes.

It also advocated treating crusher registration and renewals as a continuous process rather than allowing last-minute objections to disrupt business. On taxation and financial matters, the association maintained that Mineral Processing Fee (MPF) should be levied strictly in accordance with the applicable Act, on processed material rather than sales bills. It also sought prompt refunds of excess amounts collected on stock available before the levy came into force. The association called for rationalization of cumulative government charges, including MPF, Environmental Management Fund (EMF), registration fees, GST and electricity expenses.The association also highlighted revenue losses arising from inadequate monitoring at interstate check posts, urging stricter enforcement against illegal mining and stronger mechanisms to ensure fair competition for legitimate operators. It stressed that industry representatives should be consulted before introducing new policies, rules or operational guidelines. Questioning the practical viability of the newly introduced departmental portal, the association sought urgent technical and structural improvements to make it effective at the ground level.

The association further asserted that the Mining Department's duty is to stop illegal mining at the pit head, at the mine and at the riverbed. Instead, the Department stands at the crushers' premises, expecting them to do a job that is not theirs to do. The association expressed hope that the government would give due consideration to these concerns and initiate time-bound reforms. It reiterated its commitment to working with the authorities towards transparent regulation, prevention of illegal mining, protection of government revenue and sustainable growth of Punjab's stone crusher industry.