Author: AITC

BJP, Congress appeasing religious communities: Trinamool Chairperson at Karandighi

Posted on | by AITC

Addressing a rally at Karandighi in North Dinajpur district earlier today, the Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee launched an attack on the BJP for trying to divide the state. She said that people with stain of riots on their hands can never become the Prime Minister. Slamming the Central Government, she said that voting for Congress essentially means voting for the CPI(M). Listing the development initiatives taken by the West Bengal Government in the last three years, she urged people to shower their blessings on Trinamool.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

 

I wish you all Subho Nababarsho in advance. I am thankful to all of you for being present here despite the heat. I request you to vote for us on April 24.

 

 We have intentions to develop this constituency. We have already started much of the work in different parts. We are setting up multi super specialty hospitals in this district. From roads to schools, generation of employment to industries, our Government is working for the people in every sector.

 

I should tell you, voting for CPI(M) is like voting for destruction. We are against forcible acquisition of land. We cannot acquire land by force for any purpose. BJP creates fear in the minds of the people in the name of religion. BJP creates a division between Hindus and Muslims.

 

We have already distributed 57 lakh scholarships to students. We have created reservations for the minority students. For the benefit of girl students, we have initiated Kanyashree scheme. We are setting up industrial estates in the State. That will generate employment.

 

Apart from enforcing anti-people policies and betraying the trust of people, Congress has not done any work. Congress has increased prices of Petrol, Diesel, LPG, fertilizers and introduced FDI. They are selling away the country. BJP and Congress have colluded to sell off the nation. We will not allow any party to divide people on religious lines. We want communal harmony. We will work together with everybody.

 

Ek bhi vote BJP ko mat dijiye. Ek bhi vote Congress ko diya toh CPI(M) jeet jayega. Vote for joraphool. Vote for peace and progress. BJP will not win even one seat from Bengal. Those who insult Bengal will get a fitting reply from people through ballots.

 

We are fighting this election on our own. But I have the Ma, Mati, Manush by my side. The youth of the State are with me. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the people. I will never betray the trust of Ma, Mati, Manush.

 

Congress-BJP-CPI(M) have started malicious campaigns. We do not want violence. We believe in peace. What was the Centre doing when Left incurred debts? The Centre is taking away all our revenue to stop Bengal’s progress. The Congress is in collusion with CPI(M). We do not any alliances. We have people as our allies.

 

Despite the financial crunch, we have not stopped any beneficiary scheme. We are always working for the people. We are setting up ITIs in every block, polytechnic colleges in every sub-division. We have set up a Mini Secretariat for North Bengal. An industrial hub is also coming up. What has the Left done in 34 years? We have done more work in two and a half years.

 

Two industrial hubs are coming up in Raiganj and Islampur. We have set up fair price medicine shops. The focus of our fight is roti, kapda, makan. We love farmers. We vow to fight for people. I will never allow Darjeeling to be separated from Bengal. I will give my life for the unity of the State.

 

If you love me, if you have even the slightest trust in me, vote for joraphool. Trinamool will emerge as the decisive factor in the next Government formation. People will reject the person with blood of riots on his hands. A divisive person can never become the PM.

 

I celebrate Durga Puja. I fast during Ramazan. I celebrate Christmas too. I respect all religions. I do not bank on religion to win votes. I work for people irrespective of caste, creed or religion throughout the year. People of Bengal will not tolerate the neglect by the Centre anymore. It is not that we work only before the elections. Remember how many times I came to the district to check developmental works? It is our nature.

 

I quit Congress when the party became a stooge of the Left. I will never leave the side of the people. Vote for Trinamool. Vote for joraphool.

WB Industry Minister wins the hearts of entrepreneurs at Raniganj

Posted on | by AITC

State Finance and Industry Minister Dr Amit Mitra attended a seminar organized by the Raniganj Chamber of Commerce and South Bengal Chamber of Commerce on March 10. He spoke on the topic 'The Present and Future of Development in Industry in Bengal'.

Entrepreneurs from five districts were present at the seminar and shared their ideas with the minister. Most of their suggestions included local issues while tax reforms were also on the list.

Dr Mitra hailed the growth in bank loans to the MSME sector, which was approximately 105%. He also laid stress on the state`s achievements which included the increase of revenue as well as zero loss in man-days due to Bandhs. He talked at length about the steps taken by the Government to prevent employees from participating in Bandhs.

The minister gave a statistical view of the economic situation in the state as compared to the national scenario.  He pointed out that the growth rate of West Bengal was way higher than the Centre in every sphere, be it agriculture, industry or electricity generation.

The minister also pointed out that the states production rate increased to 6.6% while the national rate hit a rock bottom of 1.2%. He also added that had the Centre granted a moratorium on debts incurred by the Left Front, West Bengal could have prospered even more.

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রাজ্য সরকার ব্যবসায়ীদের পাশে রয়েছে, শিলিগুড়িতে মাড়োয়াড়ি সংগঠনের অনুষ্ঠানে গিয়ে এই বার্তা দিয়েছিলেন রাজ্যের শিল্প ও অর্থমন্ত্রী অমিত মিত্র। একই বার্তা দিতে বৃহস্পতিবার তিনি সভা করলেন রানিগঞ্জের দু`টি বণিক সংগঠনের সঙ্গে। তৃণমূল সরকারের আমলে এ রাজ্যে শিল্পে উন্নয়নের নানা ফিরিস্তি তুলে ধরলেন তিনি।

 এ দিন রানিগঞ্জ চেম্বার অব কমার্স ও সাউথ বেঙ্গল চেম্বার অব কমার্সের যৌথ উদ্যোগে `এ রাজ্যে শিল্পে উন্নয়ন–বৃদ্ধির বর্তমান ও ভবিষ্যত্‌` শীর্ষক একটি আলোচনা সভায় যোগ দেন শিল্প ও অর্থমন্ত্রী। সঙ্গে ছিলেন রাজ্যের কৃষিমন্ত্রী মলয় ঘটক, ক্ষুদ্র ও কুটিরশিল্প, ভূমি ও বস্ত্র দফতরের স্বাধীন দায়িত্বপ্রাপ্ত মন্ত্রী স্বপন দেবনাথ, দুর্গাপুরের মেয়র অপূর্ব মুখোপাধ্যায়, রানিগঞ্জের বিধায়ক সোহরাব আলি, আসানসোলের মেয়র তাপস বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় ও কুলটির পুরপ্রধান উজ্জ্বল চট্টোপাধ্যায়।

সভায় ব্যবসায়ীরা অগ্রিম ভ্যাট দেওয়ার পরে আর্থিকবর্ষের শেষে উদ্বৃত্ত হওয়া টাকা আয়করের মতো পরবর্তী আথিকবর্ষে যুক্ত করার দাবি জানান। এ ছাড়া ঝাড়খণ্ড–বাংলা সীমানায় ডুবুরডি চেকপোস্টে পার্কিং জোনের ব্যবস্থার দাবি ওঠে। বণিক সংগঠনের পক্ষে রাজেন্দ্রপ্রসাদ খেতান প্রস্তাব দেন, আধুনিক প্রযুক্তি ব্যবহার করে জনপদ বাঁচিয়ে কয়লা শিল্প গড়ে তোলার ব্যবস্থা করা হোক। এ ছাড়াও তাঁরা রানিগঞ্জে দু`টি বাইপাস, একটি বাইপাসে রেল টানেলের কাছে উড়ালপুল, বাঁকুড়া ও পুরুলিয়া জেলার সঙ্গে রেলপথে যোগাযোগ গড়ে তোলা, রানিগঞ্জে ইন্ডোর স্টেডিয়াম, আইটিআই, পানাগড়ে বাইপাস তৈরির দাবি জানান।

অর্থমন্ত্রী স্বপন দেবনাথের প্রশংসা করে বলেন, “ক্ষুদ্র ও কুটির শিল্প দফতরে বৃদ্ধির হার ১০৫ শতাংশ বেড়েছে।” তাঁদের আমলে সাফল্য তুলে ধরতে গিয়ে প্রথমেই অর্থমন্ত্রী দাবি করেন, বাম আমলের শেষ অর্থবর্ষে কর আদায়ের পরিমাণ ছিল ২১ হাজার কোটি টাকা, যা এখন ৪০ হাজার কোটি টাকায় পৌঁছেছে। ২০০৭–১০ পর্যন্ত তিন বছরে যেখানে ৭৮ হাজারের বেশি কর্মদিবস নষ্ট হয়েছে, সেখানে এই শেষ তিন বছরে তা ৫০২০–তে নেমে এসেছে জানিয়ে এ সবের জন্য মুখ্যমন্ত্রীকে কৃতিত্ব দেন তিনি। ব্যবসায়ীদের আস্থা অর্জনে অর্থমন্ত্রী বলেন, “মুখ্যমন্ত্রী বন্‌ধ–হরতালে অফিসে না এলে বেতন কেটে নেওয়ার যে সিদ্ধান্ত নিয়েছেন, তা প্রশংসার যোগ্য। এতে রাজ্যের আর্থিক বৃদ্ধির গতি দ্রুত বাড়বে।“

আসানসোল মহকুমার একটি বড় অংশের বাসিন্দা হিন্দিভাষী। এ দিনের সভায় অর্থমন্ত্রীর বক্তব্যের অনেকটা অংশই ছিল হিন্দিতে। বাকিটা ইংরেজি ও বাংলা মিশিয়ে বলেন তিনি। বাস্তবে গুজরাত নয়, বাংলাই উন্নয়নে এগিয়ে বলেও দাবি করেন তিনি। দেশের তুলনায় রাজ্যের উন্নয়নের খতিয়ান দিতে গিয়ে তিনি জানান, কৃষিতে যেখানে সারা দেশের বৃদ্ধির গড় ৪.৬ শতাংশ, সেখানে এ রাজ্যের ৬.২৮ শতাংশ। শিল্পে দেশের ৩.৭%-এর জায়গায় ৯.৫%, বিদ্যুতে ৫.৪৩%-এর তুলনায় ২১.৮%। তিনি আরও দাবি করেন, উত্‌পাদিত শিল্পদ্রব্যের সূচকে ভারতের খামতি যেখানে ১.২%, সেখানে রাজ্যের বৃদ্ধি ৬.৬%। তাঁর আরও অভিযোগ, কেন্দ্র অর্থাভাবের অজুহাত দেখিয়ে প্রাপ্য টাকা দিচ্ছে না। আগের সরকারের ঋণ না মেটাতে হলে রাজ্যের বিকাশের চিত্র আরও উন্নত হত বলেন তিনি।

1000 days at a glance: Assisting self-help groups

Posted on | by AITC

The West Bengal Government has been working relentlessly to empower the self-help groups in the State. The number of beneficiaries under the Swami Vivekananda Swanirbhar Karmasansthan Prokalpo over the last two and half years was almost 78 thousand. Rs 8.12 crore has been spent to train producers of self-employment projects with the objective to develop the standard of their items.

Through 91 special training camps, 2660 local unemployed youth have been given training in different fields with the objective to make the people of Jangalmahal self-sufficient through increase in their earnings.


Here are the achievements of the Department of Self-Help Group and Self Employment:

Paschimbanga Swanirbhar Sahayak Prokalpo: This scheme under Paschimbanga Swarojgar Nigam Limited is an interest-subsidy scheme for reducing loans of the self-help groups. The purpose of this scheme is to reduce burden of much interest on taken loan from bank. In the mean time State Government has spent a sum of total Rs 24.24 crore for giving interest subsidy. As a result, nearly total 1 lakh 47 thousand groups have benefited.

Exhibitions and Fairs: Department of Self-Help Group and Self Employment organised Sabala Mela at district and state level in last two years for selling finished goods and for making contact in between proper buyers and producers of self-help group and self employment schemes through exhibitions and fairs. Total sale amount was Rs 1.60 crore in Sabala Mela this time the highest figure in the recent years. Not only self help groups were able to sell goods amounting Rs 40 lakh in the International Trade Fair held in New Delhi, but also became able to make good contact with few business organization and businessmen.

Training and Marketing Centre: The work for construction of Training and Marketing Centre for the development of rural infrastructure at Nilgunj, Minakhan, Dhamakhali of Uttar 24 Parganas, Durgapur, Khandaghosh and Madhabdihi of Bardhaman has been completed. Beside, work for construction of Training and Marketing Centres at New Town, Rajarhat of Kolkata, Ruipukur of Nadia, Phuljhor of Bardhaman and the office of the District Collector of Paschim Medinipur is going on. The work for construction of a sales counter at the Durgapur City Centre and a granary at Khandaghosh for the self-help groups has been complete.

Muktidhara: On March 7, 2013 at Purulia, a new project named, Muktidhara has been introduced at the initiative of the Dept. of the self-help group and self employment in order to ensure permanent high income, poverty eradication and economic development of the self-help groups. The projects are being materialized with the cooperation of NABARD. The experimental training camps have been completed for the time being at Balarampur and Purulia-I Blocks of Purulia district. Similar work has begun at present in Paschim Medinipur district also.

Click here for the full list of achievements.

Modi has blood on his hands: Trinamool

Posted on | by AITC

Trinamool Congress today slammed Narendra Modi for his attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying he was “advertising” himself as a PM candidate, but the people would not allow such a “nightmare”.

“Modi advertising himself as PM candidate. Wishful thinking. PM is decided by party with 273 MPs. Not by multi-million ads/superpaid news,” AITC National Spokesman and Rajya Sabha Chief Whip Derek O` Brien told the media.

“Modi has blood on his hands after riots where innocents were killed,” he added.

“He can dream of becoming PM. India will not allow this nightmare,” Mr O` Brien said.

“India does not need to copy Modi`s Gujarat model.Other states have better models, including Bengal. Look at the facts not the hype,” he said.

1000 days at a glance: Empowering the youth

Posted on | by AITC

The Department of Youth Services has been allotting funds to clubs, schools and other organizations for sports equipment. For the first time ever this year, financial assistance has been provided for the development of sports in schools / colleges / universities across the state.

The department has also been involved in the renovations of old youth hostels and construction of new ones. In all parts of the state, students and youths are being trained in computers to make them eligible in the competitive examinations for jobs. Financial assistance has been given to different organizations, schools, colleges, clubs, establishments and autonomous bodies to help them build multi-gyms and purchase of necessary equipment.

Here is a list of achievements of the Department of Youth Services:

Setting up of Community Development centres: In each of the 18 marginalised villages in Jhargram sub-division of West Medinipur district, Community Development centres will be set-up at a cost of Rs 18 lakh each. Local communities will make use of these centres of multi-purpose assistance as Anganwari Centres, Mid-day Meal Centres and as centres for organizing cultural programmes.

Chatra-Yuva Utsav: Chatra-Yuva Utsav is being organized with much fanfare with the involvements of youths and students to keep alive the traditional lineage of cultural activities of Bengal. Almost one lakh spectators watched the opening ceremony of this `utsav` held at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

Special emphasis for `Jangalmahal`: Different steps have been taken for the development of cultural and sports activities in the area of `Jangalmahal`, namely –

  • Mini-indoor games / construction of recreation complex
  • Construction of gymnasium and distribution of sports equipment
  • Setting-up of vocational training centres
  • Centre for motor – driving training
  • Distribution of solar – lamps
  • Development of playgrounds
  • Financial assistances to clubs, organizations and establishments engaged in socio-economic development
  • Organising `Chatra-Yuva Utsav` in Jangalmahal

Encouraging mountaineering: Post independence, only 4 Bengali climbers could conquer Mount Everest; whereas, during two and a half years under the tenure of present government successful expeditions to Mount Everest by 6 Bengali climbers is certainly a noteworthy event. Department of Youth Services has not only given financial assistance of Rs. 6 lakh to each climber, but also facilitated them. To continue with this encouragement, financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh has been given to 9 more climbers in 2014 on the eve of their expedition by the department.

Click here to read the full list of achievements here.

WB Finance and Industry Minister Amit Mitra to interact with business leaders at Raniganj today

Posted on | by AITC

After a successful interaction with the business community in Siliguri, the West Bengal Finance and Industry Minister Dr Amit Mitra is all set to attend a meeting with the businessmen and entrepreneurs in Raniganj today.

Business leaders, small, medium and large, are coming together from 5 Districts of West Bengal for a unique interactive session with Finance and Industry Minister Dr Amit Mitra at Raniganj today. The five districts from which business leaders will be present are Bardhaman, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum and Hooghly.

Dr Mitra, who is currently on his way to the venue, said that the topic of today`s discussion is `Achievements of Bengal under the Mamata Banerjee Government and Future Prospects for Business`. South Bengal Chamber has taken the lead and Ranigank Chamber of Commerce is the organiser of the event. Many Chambers across the area are enthusiastically participating in today`s session.

Dr Mitra will reach Raniganj at around 11 AM. The session, scheduled to begin at 11.30 AM, will continue for one and a half hours.

People of Bengal will give a fitting reply to the Opposition through ballots: Trinamool Chairperson at Memari

Posted on | by AITC

Addressing a rally at Memari in Bardhaman district, Trinamool Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee accused the Congress-led central government of conspiring against her government. She said that people will avenge the insult “through ballot”. She also asserted that Trinamool Congress will win all the 42 seats in Bengal and play a decisive role in the government formation at the Centre.

Excerpts from the Chairperson`s speech:

I am thankful to you all for the huge turnout. People are with us. This has made the Opposition nervous. The Opposition should know that if they insult Bengal, people will reply back through votes. If they try to use fear tactics, it will go against them. In two and a half years we have done more work than the Left did in 34 years. They gave 12000 land pattas in two years whereas we gave 2 lakh pattas in two and a half years. We have developed irrigation facilities and agricultural lands. Farmers are now getting the due price for their products.

We are proud that Bardhaman could utilize the maximum funds for the 100 days work. Industrial growth is happening in Bardhaman. No wonder CPI(M) is jealous. Bardhaman is famous for handloom industry. Even my saree comes from the tant artists in this district. The Govt. is supporting the weavers in the district by buying their products.

Trinamool Congress has expanded in Jharkhand also. We will hold the key to next Govt in that state. This will help us to do better developmental works. We have given reservation to minorities and backward classes. Why did the previous Government not do that? We have not touched General seats during reservation. Instead we have increased infrastructure.

 

We promised to create 50000 ponds in 5 years. We have created over 1 lakh in just two and a half years. 66 years after Independence, there were only 34 colleges in Bengal. In two and a half years we have set up 31 colleges. Only 2 universities were set up by the Left. We created 8 new universities. Kisan Bazar, ITI, fair price medicine shops, polytechnic colleges – we have set up everything. We are setting up marketing hubs where self-help groups can sell their products.

 

The Centre is trying to stop Bengal’s progress by taking away all our money. Political violence has stopped in Bengal. Jangalmahal is smiling. Darjeeling is smiling. BJP wants to divide Bengal. We will not allow Darjeeling to be separated. My Cabinet does not work from Kolkata. We conduct meetings in every district.

 

We protested whenever prices of essential commodities were hiked. We quit UPA when policies went against the people. Centre is taking away funds, yet we are working for the people. We try to manage our finances.

 

Our policy is not to acquire land forcibly. We gave land from our land bank for NTPC unit in Katwa. We got Rs 10000 crore investment. SAIL is setting up a big project too. A coal hub is coming up at Birbhum. 5 lakh people will get jobs. We are giving rice at Rs 2 per kilo to the poor. We also started Kanyashree scheme. Girls will get scholarships to pursue education. Yuvashree scheme has been started to give unemployment allowance to one lakh youths. When they get jobs another one lakh youths will be incorporated into the scheme. Despite the financial crisis, Bengal is surging ahead. There is peace and progress here.

 

We raised the slogan `bodla noy, bodol chai`. We have maintained peace. We have been courteous. The Opposition thinks that is our weakness. They are mistaken. People will give a fitting reply to the malicious campaign of the Opposition through ballots. The democratic right of people cannot be taken away by transferring a few officials. The insult to Bengal will be avenged through ballots, not bullets. If you ever see trouble brewing, inform the police immediately.

 

BJP divides people on the basis of religion. They should not get any seats in Bengal. We are not alone. We have your support. We will have to win 42 out of 42 seats in Bengal. We will force Delhi to stop neglecting Bengal. We have named the Andal airport after Nazrul. We have started Nazrul Academy. CPI(M) never cared to pay homage to the builders of Bengal. We have conferred Sangeet  Samman on folk artists this year. We value our culture and traditions.

 

We believe in communal harmony. We celebrate Durga Puja and also participate in Eid celebrations.

 

Banglar disha, Bharater path.

 

Bangla gorbe Bharater bhobiswat.

 

 

WB Govt to help new startups set up business in the State

Posted on | by AITC

The West Bengal Government is renewing the stress on its own Venture Capital Fund to aid new businesses to grow in the State. A new business house may be funded with is Rs 3.5 crore initially. A six-member committee has been set up to renew the process under the state IT Department. Members will consist of officials from IIT, IIM and state IT Dept. among others.

The fund was conceptualized keeping in mind the brilliant minds of the state who wish to start up new businesses, mainly in the IT sector among others.  This Fund may be utilized by young entrepreneurs; the Government believes any startup has the capability to become a runaway success like Facebook or Twitter. If a company utilises the basic grant, it will be eligible for a fund to the tune of Rs 20 crore.

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কোষাগারে টানাটানির এই বাজারেও রাজ্যের নিজস্ব উদ্যোগ পুঁজি তহবিলের (ভেঞ্চার ক্যাপিটাল ফান্ড) হাতে রয়েছে সাড়ে তিন কোটি টাকা। যাতে তা ব্যবহার করে নতুন ব্যবসা তৈরির পা বাড়াতে পারে কোনও `স্টার্ট আপ` সংস্থা। এ বার সক্রিয় হচ্ছে তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি দফতর। তৈরি হচ্ছে ছয় সদস্যের নতুন কমিটি। সেখানে তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি সচিব এবং আইআইটি–আইআইএমের মতো শিক্ষা প্রতিষ্ঠানের লোকেদের পাশাপাশি থাকবেন তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি শিল্পের প্রতিনিধিরাও। কমিটি তৈরি হলে, পুঁজি ঢালার প্রক্রিয়াও ত্বরান্বিত হবে।

ভাড়া করা গ্যারাজ কিংবা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের `হস্টেল রুম`। মার্কিন মুলুক–সহ উন্নত দুনিয়ায় বেশির ভাগ প্রথম সারির তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি সংস্থাই উঠে এসেছে এমন `আঁতুড়ঘর` থেকে। গুগ্ল কিংবা ফেসবুকের মতো শাণিত মেধা আর উদ্ভাবনী পরিকল্পনার ফসলকে বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের ক্যাম্পাস থেকে খুঁজে নিয়ে তাতে বিনিয়োগ করেছে বিভিন্ন উদ্যোগ পুঁজি সংস্থা। কোনও ব্যবসা শুরুর সময় তার ভবিষ্যৎ সম্ভাবনা বিচার করে একেবারে গোড়াতেই সেখানে টাকা ঢালে যারা। যাতে পরে সেই ব্যবসা বড় হলে, সেখানে নিজেদের অংশীদারি বেচে মুনাফা করা সম্ভব হয়।

তহবিলের পরিমাণ এখন ২০ কোটিতে। অর্থাৎ, টাকা খরচ করতে পারলে ২০ কোটি টাকা পর্যন্ত সেখানে জোগাবে রাজ্য। এই ফান্ডের জন্য কমিটি ঢেলে সাজছে রাজ্য।

রাজ্য মনে করেছিল, এখানে ক্ষুরধার মেধা ও বাজার ধরার উপযুক্ত ব্যবসায়িক পরিকল্পনা রয়েছে। অভাব মূলধনের। আর পুঁজি জোগানোর সেই তাগিদ থেকেই এই ভেঞ্চার ক্যাপিটাল ফান্ড তৈরি করেছিল তারা।

আগে সরকারি তহবিল থেকে টাকা পেতে বহু সময় নষ্ট হত। এ ধরনের প্রযুক্তি–নির্ভর ব্যবসায় যা বরদাস্ত করা শক্ত। রাজ্যের দাবি, নতুন এই স্ক্রিনিং কমিটি এক বার তৈরি হয়ে গেলে সেই সমস্যা মিটবে।

1000 days at a glance: Bengal leads in MSME sector

Posted on | by AITC
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee leads by example. Under her guidance, Bengal is ahead of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra in terms of credit flow in the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The state has improved on the credit-deposit ratio count with banks lending more to MSME units in Bengal. The Government has also announced a policy for medium, micro and small-scale, and textile, industries. The Chief Minister has always maintained that small and medium scale enterprises are Bengal`s strength, and the State has been leading in this sector.
Here are some of the achievements in the sector of medium, micro and small-scale enterprises:
Enhancement of bank credit for medium, micro and small-scale enterprises: Our state stands first in terms of providing credit to micro and small-scale enterprises. During April-September 2012; in a period ofsix months, nationalised banks provided a total credit of Rs4331 crore to these sectors; which is highest in the country. Again, in the first month of this financial year, we are in the first position with respect to the total credit allotment, which is Rs 8,900 crore. Compared to last year, our rate of growth is 105%. For other states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, this rate is much lower, with the average being 50%.
Setting up new Industries: During the last two-and-a-half years, 29,735 new enterprises have been set up. Total investment stands at Rs 2595 crore. Expected employment generation is for 2,02,245 people. In this period, incentives of Rs 191 crore have been provided. Special training programme has been initiated with regard to the employment of 1,06,000 youths across the state.
Creation of markets for marketing of products made by traditional artisans: UNESCO-assisted Rural Craft Hubs have been taken up for holistic development of 10 different types of artisans involved in traditional handicrafts, viz., kantha (a type of embroidery), dokra (a type of non-ferrous metal casting), kather putul (dolls made of wood), mukhosh (masks), terracotta (handicrafts made out of a burnt reddish clay), shitalpati (a kind of mat), patachitro (scroll painting), madurkathi (a mat made of cane), matir putul (dolls made of clay), kather mukhosh (masks made of wood). 
A programme has been initiated under National Fibre Mission (NFM) to invest Rs 257crore for 17,000 artisans and weavers in 11 underdeveloped districts. To facilitate jobs for 5,31,475 weavers and 5,28,540 artisans, photo-identity cards have been provided. 3,81,714 weavers have been registered under health insurance scheme.
Urban Haat: Biswa Bangla haats have been opened in Durgapur and Rajarhat. A haat in Santiniketan would start functioning soon. The processes for opening haats are underway in Purulia, Bishnupur, Alipurduar, Siliguri and Jhargram.
Creation of new opportunities in handloom: 220 lakh man-days have been generated and Rs 194 crore has been invested for 5 lakh handloom weavers. Work has been started on 39 handloom clusters andwith92 handloom groups, with the involvement of 2 lakh handloom weavers.
Promotion of handloom, handicrafts, other products and branding: To meet this objective, the state government has initiated the Biswa Bangla Band. The first ever Biswa Bangla Brand marketing outlet has been opened at Kolkata Airport.
Bringing market facilities to the doorsteps of artisans: Opportunities have been created to help 17,410 manufacturers of handicrafts and artisans to participate in different state-level, national and international exhibitions and fairs. Products worth Rs 86 crore have been sold and supply orders amounting to Rs 257 crore have been obtained.
Development and promotion of khadi and rural industries: 1,17,000 village industries and 161 khadi units have participated in the task of development and promotion of khadi and rural industries. 7,10,000and 38,000 people have gained employment in village industries and khadi units, respectively. During this period, cluster development programmes have been initiated for 15 khadi and village industries. 2400 people have taken part in these programme.
Provision of modern technology to artisans: Technology Facilitation Centre (TFC) has been started with the co-operation of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) in Kolkata for micro, small & medium-scale enterprises. Design Facilitation Centre (DFC) has been created in Kolkata for handloom weavers.
Industrial hubs: Three industrial hubs have started operation on land measuring 331 acres in Ambari-Phalakata, Rejinagar and Durgapur. Development work for six industrial hubs on 130 acres of land, with a total outlay of Rs 90 crore, has started in Barjora, Shaktigarh, Khasjangal, Dabgram, Mahesh and Bolpur. Besides these, construction of five industrial hubs with a total investment of Rs 528 crore, spread over 454 acres, has been started under joint venture.
Upcoming projects: Construction work for Mega Textile Park in Belur on 75 acres, Silk Park in Malda on 15 acres, Eco-tourism Park in Banarhat near Jalpaiguri on 100 acres and World Micro Market in Santiniketan on 100 acres have started.

Investments are pouring in for Bankura: Trinamool Chairperson at Barjora

Posted on | by AITC

Trinamool Chairperson Ms. Mamata Banerjee today addressed a rally at Barjora in Bankura district. She talked at length about the development initiatives launched by the Government and asked people to vote for peace and progress. She also targeted the Left and the Centre for the financial crunch. She also asked people to maintain communal harmony.

Excerpts from Chairperson`s speech:

 

I am glad to inform you all that investments are pouring in for Bankura. Barjora industrial estate has got huge investment. Huge employment will be generated here. We are building marketing hubs so that the self-help groups can sell their products. Five hundred marketing hubs are being set up in the state to generate at least 5 lakh employment opportunities.

 

We have started the Yuvashree scheme. Had the Centre not taken away our money, I would have generated more employment. CPI(M) incurred debts and we are paying for their sins.

 

The SSK-MSK workers used to get a meagre salary. We started giving allowances to them. We are giving financial assistance to Asha workers too. We have started allowances for folk artistes. We employ artists for government ads so that they can earn a livelihood. The students of Bankura are good. We have set up a university in Bankura. Many other such initiatives have been taken up.

 

We have named Andal airport after Kazi Nazrul Islam. We have opened a university named after Nazrul Islam. ITIs are being set up in every block. Every sub-division will have polytechnic colleges. We are honouring stalwarts with Banga Bibhushan, Sangeet Samman. We have been honouring outstanding farmers at Mati Utsav.

 

CPI(M)-Congress-BJP have formed a “jealousy” alliance. There is no cure for jealousy. I am not alone. People are with me. No matter how many malicious campaigns they run, people will give a fitting reply. We have the coalition with people.

 

Trinamool will win a huge victory in Bengal and will decide the fate of next Government in Delhi. Only we protest against price rise, FDI. CPI(M)-BJP never protest against Congress. They all are together. Those who do not respect their motherland can never succeed. Bengal is my soil. I will not tolerate any insult to my State. My identity is inconsequential. Ma, Mati, Manush is my family. I am dedicated to the people.

 

We often make mistakes. We are ready to rectify them. But we will not succumb to pressure tactics. They can kill me if they want. My I will never bow my head down to wrongdoings. Do not fall prey to the traps laid by Opposition. Do not pay heed to rumors.

Stay well, stay blessed. Jai Hind.