The revival of Bengal’s Public Finances

The revival of Bengal’s Public Finances

Posted on January 21, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

West Bengal has gone through a significant transformation with the public finances. The state of the public finances was in a dilapidated condition when Mamata Banerjee took over as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Figures clearly show that the State’s fiscal measures have borne fruit:

Revenue Deficit (difference between budgeted net revenue and actual net revenue) which was 3.6% (2010-11) has declined over the years. It was 2.7% (2011-12) to 2.1% (2012-13) and is projected at 0.5% (2013-14). The Revenue Deficit has sharply fallen from Rs 21,578 crore (2009-10) to Rs 13,308 crore (2012-13) and to Rs 3,488 crore (2013-14).

Gross Fiscal Deficit (difference between government’s expenditure and revenue expressed as a percentage of GDP/GSDP) which was 4.4% (2010-11) has also declined over the years. It was 3.3 % (2011-12) and in 2013-14, it is projected at 1.8%. In the non special category states, in terms of Gross Fiscal Deficit, West Bengal had second highest GFD (2011-12), while in 2013-14, 6 states are above WB.

The state’s own tax collection has increased historically. It was at Rs 22,000 crore (2011-12) and increased by more than 40% in 2012-13 and to Rs 39,100 crore (2013-14).

Capital Expenditure Disbursement (it is the expenditure on development of machinery, equipment, building and other infrastructure) a greater growth of infrastructure like roads, bridges etc) grew by 44% in 2012-13, from Rs 10,505 crore (2011-12) to Rs 15,137 crore (2012-13) and further to Rs 18,914 crore (2013-14).

The ‘Development Expenditure’ (as defined by RBI) has increased from 52% (2011-12) to 57% (2012-13 and 2013-14).

The ratio of own revenue generation to the revenue expenditure has significantly increased from 35.8% (2011-12) to 39.8% (2012-13) and to 45.2% (2013-14).

Note: The figures of 2010-11 and 2011-12 are actual figures while figures of 2012-13 are Revised Estimates and 2013-14 are Budget Estimates.

Source of data: RBI publications and State Budgets.

Business meet to promote Industry in North Bengal

Posted on January 13, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

WB CM Ms Mamata Banerjee will chair a business meet on 19 Jannuary 2015, at Uttar Kanya, Siliguri. North Bengal Development Minister Gautam Deb informed that about 500 industrialists will be present in the meet. The meet will discuss the prospects for development of industry in the 7 districts of North Bengal.

The focus areas will be to set up environment friendly “Green Industry”.

An education hub and IT hub will be created near Siliguri.

The business meet will be also to promote tea industry, jute industry and tobacco industry.

A Safari park near Sevok is being constructed with an investment of about Rs 250 crore.

A mega tourist hub is under construction at Gajoldoba, 30 km from Siliguri. The project is estimated to involve an investment in the tune of Rs 2500 crore.

One of the leading beverage companies has promised an investment of Rs 200 crores in the coming years.

The Coochbehar airport will start its operation within the first half of 2015.

A MoU has been signed in the recently concluded Bengal Global Summit, 2015 with the Ambuja group which will set up 5 star resorts at Makaibari tea estate, Kurseong, Ghoom, Darjeeling, Lataguri and Gorumara forest.

Income generated by NBSTC (North Bengal State Transport Corporation) has now increased to 8 crores, but a monthly target of 10 crores has been set up.

Bengal puts special emphasis on Tourism

Posted on January 9, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Tourism has been a focus area for the West Bengal Government. The budgetary allocation has been increased from Rs 32 crore during the previous regime to Rs 180 crore for the year 2014-15. The government is soon going to come up with a new Tourism Policy; several suggestions were made regarding the same at the breakaway session on tourism at the Bengal Global Business Summit 2015.

Takeaways from the breakaway session on tourism:

Various tax incentives and relaxation of entertainment tax, luxury tax to be given to promote investment in tourism sector.

Up to 75% Vat return for creation of mega tourism projects.

Incentives will be provided for creating job opportunities in tourism sector.

Special emphasis laid on attracting tourist during Durga Puja and other cultural festivals.

New policy declared for development of Darjeeling, Dooars, Kolkata and Sundarbans as places of primary tourist spot.

Ropeways to be installed in hills areas.

Kolkata International Airport has ‘Visa on Arrival’ facility. Emphasis to be given on developing places of tourist attracting to places near the airport.

Investment proposals for Tourism sector finalised in the summit:

Mayfair group to Invest 1200 crore.

South City group to build up a gateway to Sundarbans with an investment of 1000 crore.

15,000 crore investment for building up “smart cities.”

Pinnacle Air to start air operations within Kolkata, Durgapur, Bagdogra, Coochbehar.

The total investment proposals received in the Hotel and Resorts are in the tune of Rs 1750 crore.

Major proposals in setting up hotels and proposals received from: The Park, Kolkata (Rs 50 crore), Airport hotel (Rs 30 crore), Crowne Plaza (Rs 450 crore).

5 star hotels and resorts by Ambuja Group in Newtown, Makaibari Tea Estate, Kurseong, Sonagon, Sundarbans, Digha, Latguri, Ghom, Darjeeling and Gorumara Forest with a total investment of Rs 500 crore.

PPP projects under Tourism sector worth investment of Rs 200 crore.

Three new beaches in the Gangasagar have already been approved. A new deep sea port at “Bhor Sagor” will come up with an investment of more than 12,000 crore. Circuit tourism is being developed in Digha, Darjeeling, Dooars, Jangalmahal and Gangasagar. Tourism is being developed under the PPP model in places like Gajoldoba, Jharkhali, Sabujdwip. New eco parks, luxury cottages, resorts are being set up in rapid pace in places across Bengal.

WB CM with industrialists at Bengal Global Summit

Investment proposals worth Rs 2.4 lakh crore finalised at Bengal Global Summit

Posted on January 8, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The success of Bengal Global Business Summit continued on day two, after a very successful day one, which had attracted investments of around Rs 93,000 crore. The state received huge investment proposals today also.

The total investment received in the last two days of the summit is Rs 2,40,000 crore.

The investments finalised during the Summit will lead to job creation for 1 crore people in the next three years.

Major investments for the first day included :

MoUs with Union Shipping Ministry worth Rs 41,600 crore (this includes Bhor Sagar, Haldia Green Port & other projects).

MoUs regarding Deochala Pachami Coal Mines worth Rs 12,000 crore.

Investment by ITC worth Rs 3000 crore.

Investment by SAIL worth Rs 40,000 crore.

Kolkata Eye MoU signed with Port Trust worth Rs 300 crore.

Investment by Hiranandandi Group worth Rs 5000 crore.

Kolkata Siliguri Corridor worth Rs 500 crore.

Satelite Township on Hindmotor Land by Parimal and Sriram Group worth Rs 8000 crore.

L&T will invest under PPP model worth Rs 12000 crore.

TCS will employ over 20,000 people in their second campus in Rajarhat

Mamata Banerjee speaks at Bengal Global Summit

Major investment proposals for the second day include:

NTPC is investing Rs 20,000 crore.

Health Sector: Proposals made worth Rs 2710 crore signed in health sector, which will generate 8990 employment. 7 MoUs to be signed, which will provide skill development to 90,000 people per annum.

Food Processing: 16 MoUs signed in the food processing sector with investment more than 1000 crore.

BAPL has signed a MoU with Scomi. Investment worth Rs 1000 crore.

Essel group: We are indenting to invest Rs 15000 crore in Bengal.

Governement of West Bengal is working with BAPL to installing the air connectivity between Kolkata Durgapur Coochbehar and Bagdogra. BAPL is also entering into an agreement with GoAir and Pinnacle Air.

The total investment proposals received for urban sector is about Rs 70,000 crore. 5 new townships will be created- Bolpur, Siliguri ,Kalyani, Rajarhat,Baruipur.

A growth corridor will be build up from Kolkata to Raghunathpur via Dhanbad. Subarna group of Singapore will be making it. Proposed investment worth Rs 1000 crore.

A solid waste management project will be build up in Howrah with an investment of Rs 2200 crore.

An agreement is being signed for a 500 MW plant for solar power in Purulia. WB CM calls this as a “gift for my Jangalmahal”.

MoU between ICOM UK and CREDAI Bengal for building of Kolkata Siliguri Growth Corridor.

Development centre for Information Technology along with Monorail connectivity.

Anand Group to invest 230 crore in a food park under Amul brand.

Microsoft’s Centre for Excellence.

Investments in the pipeline for poultry, hatchery and organic farming.

WB CM announces the total amount of investments finalised at Bengal Global Summit

Other significant investment agreements in urban area include:

Rs 1500 crore from Y K Modi Group

Rs 1275 crore on 150 acre land by Solarpuria Group

Rs 4000 crore on 235 acre land at Rajarhat by Forum Group

Rs 6000 crore on 135 acre land at 24 Parganas(North) by Highland Group

Rs 9000 crore on 100 acre land at Bishnupur by Ambuja Neotia Group

Rs 1200 crore from Mayfair Group

Rs 2500 crore on 138 acre land at Baruipur by Mani Group

Rs 2024 crore investment in Sports and Leather Complex from FS Group

Rs 260 crore on 60 acre land by Swarnaganga Realities

Rs 4000 crore on 50 acre land by Sherwood Group

Rs 700 crore on 57 acre land by MTEK Group

Rs 1000 crore on 60 acre land by Merlin Group

Rs 1200 crore on 50 acre land at 24 Parganas (South) by Dhoot Group

Rs 25000 crore on 600 acre land at Rajarhat by Greentech Group

Infinity to build two IT Hubs in the state. One at Rajarhat worth Rs 5000 crore and the other at Howrah worth Rs 1000 crore

Rs 2000 crore to be invested by Unimart Group

Panchwati group to invest Rs 1500 crore in building a Textile Park

South City Group to building a Gateway in Sundarbans costing Rs 1000 crore

Siddha Group will invest in 3 projects worth Rs 3000 crore

Premier Group to invest Rs 1055 crore in 100 acre land

Rs 2500 crore from Capital Singapore

Rs 1000 crore from Regent Garment

Rs 2500 crore from Jalan Group

Rs 1200 crore from INPA Group

Rs 1200 crore will be invested for hosiery park

Rs 15,000 crore to be invested for “Smart Cities”

A solid waste management project will be build up in Howrah with an investment of Rs 2900 crore with a consortium of German Companies

We are creating more than one crore employment opportunities through Bengal Global Business Summit: WB CM

Posted on January 8, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

The Bengal Global Business Summit 2015 was a huge success with the State roping in huge investments from all around the world. With representatives of business houses from more than twenty countries participating, besides the Indian industry captains, the summit proved to be an eye-opener for those who visited the state for the first time.

It was expected that about 100 people will attend each of the Breakaway Sessions. More than 200 people attended the sessions.
9 Breakaway Sessions were held today.

The 1st session was for Manufacturing. The 2nd session was for Health, Education & Skill Development. The 3rd Breakaway Session was for Food Processing, 4th session for Housing, 5th one was for MSME. The 6th Breakaway Session was held for Infrastructure and Energy. The 7th session was for Financial Services. While the 8th Breakaway Session was for Tourism and Entertainment, the last session was for IT and Hardware.

The Chief Minister addressed the Closing Session of the Summit.

Highlights of the Chief Minister’s speech at the Closing Session

Response has been excellent, fabulous and fatafati.

Congratulations to all delegates, officials, and captains of industry for such a great response.

We are touched by your response. This summit will go a long way and be a turning point.

There has been a flood of EoI, MoU.

It is unfair to compare Bengal with other States. We have legacy. We do not have financial independence.

Bengal’s economy has turned around in last three years. It is a No. 1 model.

Credit must go to the nine core groups in various sectors.

Investment commitment worth Rs 1.2 Lakh crore were received in last three years of which Rs 83,000 are in process.

In last two days we received investment worth Rs 2.4 lakh crore. This is huge. I bow before you. I salute you.

The auditorium is packed. This is the energy. This is the dedication.

NTPC is investing Rs 20,000 crore. Essel group is investing Rs 15,000 crore. Subarna group is investing Rs 1000 crore.

From Samsung to NASSCOM, TCS to Infocom are investing. Within 2-3 yrs we can create more than 1 cr employment opportunities.

We have an employment bank. Our labour is cheap. We are setting up polytechnic and ITI. We want pvt players to adopt it is.

Land is available. We are providing skill development to 10 lakh youth.

Earlier government was a loadhsedding-government. Now there is no loadshedding in Bengal.

If there is no industry in Bengal, how come so many people are here today? How are new hotels coming up in Bengal.

I always think positive. If you have a vision, you can accomplish your mission.

Our government started e-governance for transparency and good governance.

Our government provides social justice. We believe in social governance.

We allotted 4000 acres of land within a second at Kulti. Land is not a problem. We have a land bank, land use policy.

There is a direct connection between CMO and BDO. We have completed more than 80 block level meetings.

Political killings by Maoists have stopped in Jangalmahal. There is peace there.

We started 14Y clearance. Mutation problems addressed in 21 days. Bengal will give surplus power to other states.

Everything is available in Bengal. You just do your business with a heart.

We have an administrative calendar. We have achieved 99% of our tasks.

From today we will start an administrative calendar for the proposals of Bengal Global Summit. WBIDC will be nodal agency.

Bengal is giving free medicines to rural people. Bengal is the first State to have fair price medicine shops and cord blood bank.

45 new colleges coming up. 8 new universities have been set up. If anyone is interested to set up medical college, we will help you.

We have started township policy. We have identified land. Land is not a problem.

There is so much potential for the growth of urban development.

We are against SEZ. But if you want to set up IT Parks, we will provide all assistance.

There is so much tourism potential in Bengal. Eco-tourism is coming up. There is scope in entertainment industry.

Think about today. Look towards tomorrow. Bengal is the gateway to SE Asia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan.

A second Goa can come up in Bengal.

Bengal has huge scope for hospitality sector. There are a lot of areas to explore.

Eco-park, where we hosted the dinner yesterday, was set up in just a year.

We announced PPP Policy. Industry is coming through PPP.

We are setting up agri-marketing hubs. There is a lot of demand. You can come to Bengal and fulfill the demand.

I convey my best regards to your countrymen, your family members. The whole world is my sweet family.

Bengal Global Summit 2016 will be held on 8-9 January, 2016. Please do book your schedules now.

Bengal is delighted by your august presence. It touches our hearts.

The Summit ended with a standing ovation and the performance of the National Anthem.

Bengal Global Business Summit 2015: Come to Bengal… Ride the growth

Posted on January 7, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

West Bengal has been taking a number of initiatives to rejuvenate the industrial scenario in the State. The State Government has been undertaking several policy measures and incentives for the overall socio-economic development of the economy.

West Bengal is a key State of India. Recent observations from the Central Statistical Organization show that from 2013 the State’s GDP grew by 8.62% where as the nation’s was 4.7%.

Industry-wise too the growth has been phenomenal – 8.74% while India’s grew by a mere 0.4%. The rise for Agriculture and Service Sectors have been equally impressive. Also, capital expenditure has grown by 44%, indicating that massive investments in infrastructure.

Why invest in Bengal?

Low cost of doing business

Abundant water and waterbodies

Gateway to NE India and to SE Asia; shares boundary with three countries

Road/rail/air connectivity, 3 airports – Kolkata, Bagdogra, Durgapur & 2 sea ports – Kolkata and Haldia; chopper services; waterways; huge fleet of inter-city luxury buses

A new town at Rajarhat: the new destination for financial services, urban infrastructure, housing, business capital, etc.

A leader in MSME-highest investments in the sector in the country during 2012-13 and 2013-14

One of the major textile hubs of the country – garment, hosiery, handloom, khadi, silk

Headquarters of many major banks, Public Sector Undertakings and big business houses

Unique tourist destinations : the Himalayas, the Dooars, Tea Gardens, forests and wildlife, sea beaches; rich cultural and religious heritage

Adequate skilled human resource:Skill development; technical human resource : 225 ITIs and 140 Polytechnics

Highest producer of vegetables in the country; among the highest in rice and fruits, tea; largest producer of fish

Invitation card for Bengal Global Summit 2015

In this endeavour, the Government of West Bengal is organising a Bengal Global Business Summit – Bengal Leads 2015 on 7th and 8th January 2015. The two-day event will include Plenary Sessions addressed by national and international entrepreneurs of stature who will share their thoughts and experiences. The Summit will include Sectoral Breakaway Sessions with the participation of leading industrialists of each sector. The Summit will also organise B2B and G2B interactions. There will be opportunity for Expositions and Exhibition as well.

The identified Focus Sectors for the Summit include: Urban Infrastructure and Housing, IT Software & Hardware, Food Processing, Horticulture & Floriculture, MSME & Textiles, Health Care, Education & Skills, Manufacturing, Energy & Infrastructure, Hospitality & Tourism and Business of Entertainment, Financial Services.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, will be there to listen to the entrepreneurs, peruse over the sectoral recommendations and then share her thoughts at the Concluding Plenary (on both the 7th and the 8th January).

The evenings will showcase Bengal’s great heritage in art and culture.

The Summit will be held in the Salt Lake Stadium grounds, near Hyatt Regency, Kolkata.

Invitation card for Bengal Global Summit 2015

This Summit is the best platform to understand the potential of West Bengal in various sectors which will also provide a platform to interact with policy makers, industry leaders, and top level Government officials.

Focus Sectors for the Summit include:

•   Urban Infrastructure and Housing
•   IT Software & Hardware
•   Food Processing, Horticulture & Floriculture
•   MSME & Textiles
•   Health Care, Education & Skills
•   Manufacturing
•   Energy & Infrastructure
•   Hospitality & Tourism and the Business of Entertainment
•   Financial Services

Programme Schedule:

i. At Island-Glass House, Eco Park on January 6, 2015

7:30 PM onwards Special programme marking the beginning of the Bengal Global Business Summit 2015, consisting of musical recitals and interaction. Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee will grace the occasion.

ii. At Plenary Hall, Helipad Ground, Salt Lake Stadium on 7th Jan 2015

Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the Summit and preside over the Plenary Session. The Union Minster of Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information and Broadcasting will be the Chief Guest on the occasion. The Union Minister of Road Transport, Highway and Shipping will be the Guest of Honour.

9:30 AM – 10: 30 AM Registration

11:00 AM – 11:05 AM Lighting of Lamp

11:05 AM – 11:15 AM Welcome Address by Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal

11:15 AM – 11:22 AM A Film on West Bengal

11:22 AM – 11:32 AM Theme Address by Dr. Amit Mitra ,the Industry and Finance Minister of West Bengal

11:32 AM – 11:45 AM Special Address by the Chief Guest

11:45 AM – 11:50 AM Vote of Thanks by Shri Sanjay Mitra, Chief Secretary, IAS, Government of West Bengal

12 Noon – 1:30 PM Indian Business Leaders’ Speak

2:30 PM – 2:40 PM Address by Guest-of-Honour

2:40 PM – 4:10 PM Global Business Leaders’ Speak

4:10 PM – 4:30 PM Summit Address by Ms Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Visit to Business Expo at Summit Venue,B2B and G2B discussions at Topaz and Sapphire

7:30 PM – 8.00 PM Performance by Musical Maestros

Invitation card for Bengal Global Summit 2015

For 8th Jan 2015

9:00 AM to 11:00 AM MSME Conclave

11:30 AM to 12:15 PM Presentation of Recommendations arising out of Breakaway Sessions

12:15 PM to 1:15 PM Signing of Business Agreements and other Announcements in the presence of Ms Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal

1:25 PM to 1:55 PM Closing Session Address by Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal

Bengal leads in Food Processing and Horticulture sector

Posted on January 7, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

Food Processing and Horticulture sectors in West Bengal saw a huge surge after the new Government took initiatives three years ago. Right from making new Laws to guiding farmers, creating new processing plants, the Government has taken steps in almost every level for better facilities and improvement of quality and quantity of products.

Food processing industry accounts for almost 32% of the total food market, and ranks 5th in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth. Food processing industry contributes at around 9-10% of the GDP, nationally.

Horticulture also holds great scope for expansion in India and in Bengal. In terms of output, India is the number two in the world. West Bengal Government has given huge importance in these fields which not only has increased production but also created employment.

Initiatives undertaken by the West Bengal Government in these sectors in the last three years:

• During the tenure of the present government, more than 15,000 hectares are brought under fruit cultivation. The area brought under vegetable cultivation and flower cultivation stands at 1609 and 3631 respectively.

• Weather based crop insurance has been rolled out with 50% government grant. 15 products are been brought under this scheme.

• Nearly 40 food processing plants have been set up in the last three years with a cost of more than 300 crore.

• The production capacity of rice mills have been enhanced by almost 4 lakh MT and for grain mills by almost 2.5 lakh MT. As a result additional capacity 8 lakh man-days of work is made possible.

• The government has passed West Bengal Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) (Amendment) Bill 2014. Companies involved with food processing can now directly purchase the raw materials from the farmers thus ensuring no cost for middlemen, greater transparency, and greater ease of doing business, and a better price for farmers.

• The state intends to set up Krishak Bazars , where farmers can sell the products directly this ensuring better prices.

• A hi-tech food preservation institute is being set up at Malda.

• The government has taken steps to curb down the menace of middleman and results are visible. Farmers are getting better prices in the whole sale market, while inflation in the retail market is checked through fair price shops, regular checks and etc.

Come to Bengal… Ride the growth: bengalglobalsummit.com

Social sector development: Bengal shows the way

Posted on January 7, 2015 | by admin2

Health Care, Education and Skill Development are core sectors where West Bengal made rapid progress in the last three years. The State, under the new Government had to revive and restructure the total infrastructure which had become almost non-existent. With continued efforts, the State made rapid progress by rebuilding the existing projects and creating newer avenues.

Health, Education, Skill development are also the focus areas for the Bengal Global Summit 2014, here is what the Government achieved in the last 3 years.

Health

34 multi speciality hospital being set up. Works for 13 hospitals have already started.
More than 63 fair price shops have been opened, discounts are provided at a range of 48% to 72%. More than 52 lakh people have benefitted. 47 fair price diagnostic centres have also been opened.
The number of Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) have increased from 6 to 37 and the 198 new Sick Newborn Stabilisation units (SNSUs) have been set up.
The number of beds in Government has been increased by 10,000.
The number of medical seats for students (MBBS and Dental) has been doubled. 3 new medical colleges have being set up at Kamarhati, Malda and Murshidabad.
There has been a decrease of 20% in mortality rate of mothers during childbirth and institutional delivery has risen to 79%.
The percentage of the malnourished children of the total enrolled has decreased from 47.52% (2009-10) to 22.94% (2013-14).

Education

6 new universities are being opened up. Second campus of the North Bengal University is being set up.
31 new government colleges and 14 new private colleges are in the process of being set up. It should be noted that in the last 67 years, only 38 government colleges have been established.
The government has provided financial assistance to 46,672 students who are meritorious yet economically challenged.
The government has introduced the system of online admission and counselling to JEE students and online admissions for colleges are also being introduced.
A total of 1881 schools have been established and 1626 schools have been upgraded. A total of 40,113 additional classrooms have been constructed.
Under the Mid-day meal scheme, afternoon meals have been made available to 99% primary school and 98% higher primary schools.
Almost 50,000 people have been appointed in primary and secondary sections.
Toilets have been constructed in 98% of the schools across the state and separate toilets for girls constructed in 82% of the schools.
Computer and allied devices have been supplied to 2600 Madhyamik and Higher Secondary schools.

Skill Development

The state obtained first place for the first time in All India Skill Contest 2013.
Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, West Bengal Skill Development Mission has been formed to develop technical and job-oriented skills.
To ensure development of technical skills, the West Bengal State Council of Technical and Vocational Education and Skill Development Act, 2013 has been passed.
One new ITI will be established in each block of the state. 38 new ITIs have already been established and seats have been increased by 3700. Apart from this, 88 new government ITIs are being established.
As a result of Paschimbanga Swanirbhar Shahayak Prakalpo, nearly total 1 lakh 47 thousand nos. of groups have been benefited and subsidy of over 24 crore given in a scheme for reducing loans of the self-help groups
Number of beneficiaries under the Swami Vivekananda Swanirbhar Karmasansthan Prokalpo, over the last two and half years is almost 78 thousand. Total outlay of project Rs. 1,715 crore Govt. grant Rs. 396 crore and employment generated in this project is for 2,93,827 people.
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.
The work for construction of Training and Marketing Centre for the development of rural infrastructure at Nilgunj, Minakhan, Dhamakhali of 24 Pgs (N), Durgapur, Khandaghosh and Madhabdihi of Burdwan has been completed. Beside, work for construction of Training and Marketing Centres at New Town, Rajarhat of Kolkata, Ruipukur of Nadia, Phuljhor of Burdwan and the office of the District Collector of Paschim Medinipur is going on.
Construction of hostels for girl students is going on in 25 polytechnic colleges. Various MOUs have been signed with Raymond, Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industries, ILFS, FUCCU, ASSOCHAM, Security Sector Skill Development Council (SSSDC) and others which will train more than 1 lakh people on various sector.
Training under Skill Development Initiative Scheme (Modular Employable Skills): An additional 1,05,000 people have been trained since 2011 under Skill Development Initiative Scheme. Training of 13,500 people has been initiated in backward areas including blocks in the border areas.

Come to Bengal… Ride the growth: bengalglobalsummit.com

WB CM holds pre-Business Summit meetings with delegates and captains of industry

Posted on January 6, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

A day before the Bengal Global Business Summit 2015, WB CM Ms Mamata Banerjee had a series of pre- Summit meetings with various captains of the industry and delegates of foreign countries.

She met with the UKIBC (United Kingdom India Business Council) Chair RT Hon Patrica Hewitt in a very engaging meeting. UKIBC has also expressed interest to learn about the rapid growth in West Bengal and the State’s effort with “ease of doing business”, “openness of investment proposal” and have praised the CM’s effort. CM Ms Mamata Banerjee has termed this meeting as “fruitful”.

She had a one on one meeting with Adi Godrej, Chairman of Godrej group, Niranjan and Darshan Hiranandani of the Hiranandani Group, and Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Joint MD of Kinetic Motor Company.

She also met with His Excellency Ambassador of Israel, Daniel Carmon, who has two concrete proposals which will be taken up for tomorrow.

Bengal Global Business Summit 2015, a brainchild of WB CM Ms Mamata Banerjee, will showcase the investment potential of the State before delegates and guests from 19 countries.

Bengal – Surging ahead in Tourism sector

Posted on January 6, 2015 | by admin2 | Leave a Comment

West Bengal is a land of scenic beauty as well as rich cultural heritage. While on one hand, the State can boast providing tourist attractions such as mountains, wildlife, sea beaches and historical sites, on the other hand, in the field of entertainment, Bengal has been a frontrunner from cinema to theatre, literature to philosophical works.The last three years saw a surge in both tourism and entertainment sector with numerous newer projects commissioned andcompleted.
Tourism

From the majestic hills at Darjeeling, to the beauty of Dooars, the historic places at Burdhaman, Murshidabad, the temples of Bishnupur, the forests at Jangalmahal, the Ayodha hills at Purulia the vibrant city of Kolkata, the Royal Bengal Tiger of Sundarbans, the holy place of Gangasagar and the virgin beaches of Bay of Bengal, Bengal has it all. Sundarbans and Darjeeling have been announced as UNESCO World Heritage site.

Digha

Tourism is an area of focus for the new government. The budgetary allocation has been increased from 32 crore to 180 crore for the year 2014-15 and proper infrastructure are being put to place. Here are a few of the achievements of the government under the leadership of CM Ms Mamata Banneree:

• Tourism is being developed under the PPP model in Gajoldoba, Jharkhali, Sabujdwip. New eco tourism parks, lodges adventure sports and other projects are being undertaken. Tourism parks are being created in Saili, Kunjanagar and Jaldapara. A tourist lodge is being constructed at Jhargram Rajbari under PPP model.

• Darjeeling and Dooars : The work of Eastern Dooars Tourism Circuit is complete and the work is going on the Western Circuit and the Mega Circuit project. Work of eco tourism project in Buxaduar is in the last phase. New tourist lodge is opened in Lamahata and renovation done for Tashi Ding Tourist Lodge. Vacant spaces in tea gardens will be used to develop and build tourist lodge.

Darjeeling

• Digha-Mandarmoni-Tajpur: A new Digha gateway has been constructed. A roadmarine drive from Digha and Mandarmoni is being planned. 36 tourist cottages have been constructed in Udaipur.

• Sunderban and Sagar Island: World’s first Mangrove is being set up. Tourist lodge, tourism complex, eco tourism parks and new jetties are being set up.

Sundarbans

• Jangalmahal: A circuit tourism is being set up in West Midnapore involving Jhargram, Belpahari and Hatibari. The project includes the development of Kankrajhore, Ketkijhora, Gurasini Hills, Ghagra Waterfalls, Ratneshwar Temple etc. Murutbaha Eco-Park is being built in Susunia Hills. Two circuit tourism projects, one involving Bankura, Susunia Hill, Saltora Range has been taken up and the other for Ayodhya Hills, Khayraberia and Murardi Dam are being taken up.

Ajodhya Hills, Purulia

• Gangasagar: CM Ms Mamata Banerjee visited Gangasagar with a team of industrialists. A new deep sea port will be set up with an investment of 12,000 crore. Three new beaches were named as “Dheusagar”, “Rupsagar” and “Bhorsagar”.

• Special emphasis has been given to cultural tourism, heritage tourism and home stay tourism,

• A lot of beautification projects have taken place. A new eco park and a new wax museum has been opened in Rajarhaat.

Entertainment Industry
Bengal has a rich history of heritage and culture. Calcutta is called as the culture capital of India, and under the leadership of CM Ms Mamata Banerjee, entertainment industry has found a new hope. Below are some of the noted achievements

• Six floors in the memory of Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Tapan Sinha, Uttam Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Rituparno Ghosh have been constructed in the studio and the technician studio has been mordernised.

• Kolkata International Film Festival is now celebrated with greater grandeur. Various delegates from all over the globe grace the occasion. For the first time, Children’s Film Festival is also being organised.

• Renovation of various sites have been undertaken like the Minerva Theatre, Mahajati Sadan, Nazrul Manch, State Music Academy and etc

• Special assistance is given to folk artists. Pensions being given to many artists, technicians etc.

• Full scale film cities are being constructed in Dabgram and Baruipur.

Come to Bengal… Ride the growth: bengalglobalsummit.com