November 29, 2011
Chief Minister visits Howrah; plans development in the districts
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee on the fourth leg of her district tour reached Howrah and discussed various issues including administrative and development issues. The meeting commenced at the ‘Pother Dabi Auditorium’ in Howrah.
Speaking to the PRESS after the meeting the Chief Minister said that she will continue to carry on with this tour of districts as this initiative has made her understand a lot of problems of the people as well as administration. `I have been to Jangalmahal, Hills, South and North 24-Parganas, today I came to Howrah. Hooghly is also on the list and it will be done within a few days`, said the Chief Minister.
Ms. Banerjee said that her top priority is to safe guard the interest of the farmers and retail shops. Replying to a question regarding her party’s stand on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), she made it clear that she will not support the UPA government on this issue unless the farmers have sufficient resources and the retailers find themselves secured. `I feel the right to sell their produced should remain with the farmers and when I say retailers I am reefing to the petty vegetable seller to the grocery and even to the one selling large items`. She maintained that she will not do anything that will harm the interest of the retailers.
`I have spoken to the concerned authorities regarding building six-clusters which will generate employment on a large scale for the artisans working in small scale sectors like `Zari` and `gold ornaments` and the state will earn good revenue` said Ms. Banerjee who maintained that the work in this regard will begin within 10 to 15 days as the infrastructure and details are ready. She assured a medical college would be set up in the district and the ESI Hospital at Uluberia would be upgraded to a 300-bedded one.
The Chief Minister also pointed out to the poor conditions of roads and assured that they will be repaired. She said that her government is planning to modernize the Domjur stadium and also construct a helipad at Howrah.
The meeting went which according to the Chief Minister was satisfactory went for a long time. Ms. Banerjee however, requested the scribes to allow her to take questions later as she was already late and would have to reach airport to receive the President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Pati. `I think this is enough for the day as I am already late and if I don’t make a move now I will surely miss the plain`, smiled Ms. Banerjee.
