Tag: Business

First time in India – WB Govt launches Micro Business Credit Card

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West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee today launched the Micro Business Credit Card for medium and small businesses at the State Secretariat, Nabanna.

The Micro Business Credit Card, which is the first of its kind in India, will facilitate small and medium business entrepreneurs of the State. The introduction of this Credit Card will immensely benefit the entrepreneurs, particularly in the MSME sector.

The small and medium entrepreneurs will be able to avail cash credit or loan up to Rs 5 lakhs for their business activities, even without collateral security. The State Bank of India has extended support to the Government of West Bengal in this venture.

The State Finance Minister Dr Amit Mitra and the Panchayat & Rural Development Minister Mr Subrata Mukherjee were present on the occasion.

Incidentally, in his Budget speech in 2014, Dr Amit Mitra had noted that small and medium businesses were the largest employers in the State, and said that to ease their woes in getting bank credit, the government would facilitate the launch of a micro business credit card (on the lines of the Kisan Credit Card).

Excerpts of WB CM’s speech:

  • We must concentrate on small things. Small grows into big. We must take care of the small.
  • No one becomes a big industrialist in a day.
  • This is the first time Micro Business Credit Card is being launched in India. I congratulate all.
  • I congratulate my Finance Minister Amit Mitra for this bold step.
  • We believe in keeping the process simple and hassle-free.
  • To do business we have to keep all doors open.
  • Just because I am involved in small agricultural marketing hub, does not mean I cannot promote big business.
  • We have given Kisan Credit Cards to 65 lakh people in three years.
  • 65 Lakh Kisan Credit Cards have already been distributed.
  • 3.2 crore people out of 9 crore people in Bengal get rice at Rs 2 per kilo.
  • Till Rs 5 lakh, no guarantee is required in this Micro Business Credit Card scheme.
  • Today Business Credit cards are being given to that Kisans can start businesses. No guarantees would be required till 5 Lakh rupees.
  • It is my duty to help the people to progress.
  • If you are determined to work hard, you will reach the heights of success. My best wishes are with you.
  • We have made a fund of Rs 200 crore for business and a simplified clearance process.
  • We will start facilitation and clearance centers in Bardhaman, Durgapur, Asansol and other places to speed up the clearance process.

Bengal surging ahead in Horticulture

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Actions speak louder than rhetoric.  Date regarding horticulture clearly show that this sector has registered immense growth under Trinamool. Here is a comparison of parameters during the last 3 years of the CPM rule ( 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11) and the first 3 years of Trinamool’s governance ( 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14):

 

Poly House and Shed Net House: 

Poly Houses and Shed Net Houses are built for climate controlled ventilated areas which are essential for horticulture.  Poly house concept emerged to undertake adverse environmental conditions such as excess rainfall, temperature, cold conditions, airflow etc. India and Holland both have more or less the same area under flower cultivation, but Holland amounts to 70% of flower export and India about 1% in the global market. The difference is due to use of Poly houses and Shed net houses and use of advanced technology.

Graph 1_horticulture

In terms of new area covered under Poly house technology and Shed net house, the performance of Trinamool Congress is much higher than the Left rule. 58,200 meters of Poly house are constructed in the last 3 years as against 5520 meters of Left regime. The success of construction of Shed net house is even more. In comparison to just 448 sq meters in the Left rule, 3,21,180 sq mts have been constructed in the last 3 years.

Graph 2_horticulture

The average numbers of Poly houses build per year in the last 3 years are 19,400 as compared to just 1840 in the last 3 years of Left rule. The annual average numbers of Shed net houses build is 7,060 under Trinamool’s governance.

 

Area added:

In the last 3 years, 15,611 hectares of land are added for fruit cultivation and 3631 hectares for flower cultivation.

Graph 3_horticulture

 

Some significant developments:

  • West Bengal Government has taken up initiatives of horticulture through NREGA. It is worth mentioning that Bankura has received the prestigious “District Award for Effective Initiatives under MGNREGA Administration.”
  • 384 skill development camps have been organised.
  • The government has passed the Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Bill 2014. This bill will promote formation of new markets where farmers can directly sell the product to the end users, curb the middlemen menace, thus the interest of both the farmers and the customers will be taken care of. Government will regulate these markets.
  • More than 2800 farmers related with horticulture have been assisted with power tillers, tractors, power pumps and other automated machines.
  • Government assisted Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme has been implemented. More than 8000 farmers (Kharif season) and 4000 ( Rabi season) has benefited from this.

Land clearance in Bengal just a click away

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As promised by WB CM Ms Mamata Banerjee during the Bengal Global Business Summit 2015, all roadblocks relating to land procurement has been done with.

Now with a click, the investors can log onto the webpage of the Land Department and submit their application online. At the initial phase, the State Government is giving this facility for 38 blocks.

The highlights of this facility are as follows:

  • 38 blocks under Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Nadia, Bardhaman, North and South 24 Parganas, Purulia, Purba and Paschim Midinipur and Hooghly are now available through this website.
  • Within 21 days from application the investors will be provided with Mutation Certificate
  • Clearance certificate for conversion and character change of a land will be provided within 30 days
  • Within seven days of online submission the investor will be informed about the status of the application
  • The contact details of the concerned officers of the department is available at the site for the investors to contact them over phone / email directly
  • At the moment this facility is available for MSME sector
  • Within 31st March’15 all 341 blocks of the State will be brought under this facility enabling all citizens to apply for mutation certification, conversion application/certificate etc. online

WB CM inaugurates third edition of the Asansol Industry & Trade Fair 2015

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The third edition of the Asansol Industry & Trade Fair 2015 was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee today. The Fair will continue till February 6, 2015.

The Industry & Trade Fair is being held at Polo Ground, Asansol Stadium and is being organised by the Asansol Chamber of Commerce.

State Finance Minister Mr Amit Mitra and Labour Minister Mr Moloy Ghatak were present on the occasion.

It is expected that 300 stalls from all segments like automobiles, machinery, consumer durables, furniture, garments, real estate, solar power, electrical & electronics, kitchen appliance, hospitality, education healthcare and many more will participate in the Fair.

The Fair will be a unique platform to enhance marketing capabilities and competitiveness, showcase brands and competencies, interaction with potential buyers and promote brands & products in front of tentative buyers. It will prove to be a sophisticated platform for conducting business on a National and International scale. It will provide an excellent opportunity to assess opinions from clients and determine market potential.

Excerpts of the Chief Minister’s speech on the occasion:

• I thank the Asansol Chamber of Commerce to involve common people in this Trade Fair.

• The Adivasi people are here, the Kanyashree girls are here, everybody should be involved in good works.

• A big industrial hub is coming up at Balagarh.

• The Asansol-Durgapur, Bardhaman, Bankura, Purulia zone is very important for industry.

• We will conduct core committee meetings at every year for industry separately for these zones.

• The Panchami Coal reserves and steel industry in Durgapur will create huge employment opportunities.

• There are industries related to coal, steel, power in these areas.

• WB Govt. has made new industry, Land, PPP policies, permissions are now easily available to set up industries in the State.

• West Bengal is strong Manufacturing, Engineering, Small Scale, Textile and Cottage industries.

• Plans are there to start a Rs 3200 cr road project as well as a 1500 MW power project, 16 thousand to get jobs.

• Rs 40,000 cr to be invested in Durgapur Steel plant expansion. This will create employment opportunities as well.

 

Edited at 2.55 PM, January 29, 2014

We want Bengal to keep moving ahead on the path of development: WB CM at North Bengal Industry Meet

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West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee today inaugurated the North Bengal Industry Meet-2015 at Uttar Kanya. She interacted with the prospective investors and renowned business persons of North Bengal during the meet.

Many industry and business representatives from neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and 7 North Bengal districts participated. Many captains of industry from Kolkata have joined the programme.

North Bengal is the gateway to the North East, and its strategic proximity to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh offers huge business potential. The region already received more than Rs. 4000 Crore investment proposals very recently which are being implemented on a fast track. Today’s Industry Meet has generated significant enthusiasm and lots of investment proposals are in the offing.

All the investment proposals will be monitored by a Core Committee for North Bengal and I will personally come every six months to review the progress. For the convenience of investors and tax payers of North Bengal, a new Bench of the West Bengal Sales Tax Appellate and Revisional Board in Siliguri has been launched today. An MSME Facilitation Centre and an Unique Clearance Centre to look into mutation and conversion of land for industrial purposes at “Uttarkanya” have also been created. The government is going to set up a new Convention Centre and an Industrial Fair Ground in North Bengal.

Highlights of the CM’s speech:

  • From now, for paying taxes you do not have to go to Kolkata. Work can be done in Siliguri itself.
  • We have brought down the loss in mandays due to Bandhs to zero.
  • We do not support the politics of Bandh. We do not believe in destructive politics.
  • Disputes should be solved through negotiations and talks.
  • We want Bengal to move forward. We need your help and cooperation.
  • Some media houses have negative attitude. They only show bad news 24X7.
  • We will be providing skill development training to 10 lakh youth.
  • We hosted Bengal Global Summit few days ago. Job opportunities will be created for 1 crore people in 2-3 years.
  • We will create a fund worth Rs 200 crore to support entrepreneurs.
  • We have set up a Unique Clearance Centre. A branch has been established today at Uttarkanya.
  • We are committed to rejuvenate the tea industry.
  • Ambuja group & Keventer Group are investing in north Bengal. We wish them all the best for their new venture.

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

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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: Day II schedule

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The Bengal Global Business Summit 2015 began on a high note with the presence of representatives of more than twenty countries besides national Industry Captains.

Delegates from more than 20 countries participated in the Bengal Global Business Summit and praised about the growth of Bengal.

The second day of the Summit will present a Conclave on the MSME sector as well as a Breakaway Session where presentations of recommendations will be done.

The most awaited part of today’s Session will be the signing of the business agreements in presence of the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee.

The Chief Minister will also address the Closing Session.

Schedule of events on January 8, 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
WB CM Bengal Global Summit

Bengal Global Business Summit Day 1: Investments flow in

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The Bengal Global Business Summit started with great success on the first day.

Representatives from 20 countries visited the summit and took interest in the state and praised efforts by the new government.

The participating countries include United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Luxembourg and Australia.

The new investments for the day are:

  • MoUs worth Rs 41,600 crore were signed by the Union Shipping Ministry. This includes a deep sea port named Bhor Sagar (New Dawn) at Sagar Islands, with investment of Rs 12,000 crore (2 billion USD). Rs 1200 crore will be invested in the development of a second port in Haldia. Haldia-Varanasi waterway development with investment worth Rs 4,500 crore
  • MoUs on Deocha Pachami Coal Mines was signed which will bring investment worth Rs 12000 crore
  • Global CEO of Mitsubishi Chemicals committed fresh investments in Haldia plant
  • GoAir, with an investment of Rs 1000 crore, intends to start operation from the Nazrul Islam Airport at Andal
  • Fresh investment by ITC worth Rs 3000 crore
  • SAIL have announced projects worth Rs 40000 crore
  • Massive hydrocarbon gas project is coming up, with investment worth Rs 5000 crore from Hiranandani group
  • Kolkata Eye MoU has been signed with Port Trust worth Rs 300 crore
  • TCS will create 20,000 new jobs in Kolkata

Fruitful morning session of Bengal Global Business Summit: WB CM

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West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee lit the ceremonial lamps to inaugurate the Bengal Global Business Summit 2015, being held at Saltlake Stadium. She was accompanied by Union Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting and captains of industries and state Industry and Finance Minister, besides other industry captains.

The Chief Minister felicitated the industrialists and delegates with the ceremonial uttariya.

The Chief Minister showcased the state government’s policies and achievement in different sectors encouraging the growth of industry.

 

Highlights of the speech of West Bengal Chief Minister:

•    Bengal is a land of billion opportunities

•    Bengal is rising and shining

•    The captain of the industries are guiding us, advising us

•    Last three years have seen big difference in Bengal

•    Bengal is your own motherland, your own sweet home

•    We have our land bank and land map, land policy ready and enough manpower

•    Our manpower is skilled and cheap

•    Bengal is Number one in MSME when it comes to banking loans growth in this sector

•    Bengal is the Gateway to South East Asia

•    State has announced new policy for IT, Industry and clear policies for other sectors too

•    We are setting up new IT college, Eco-tourism hubs, hospitals in PPP mode

•    We invite the Union Finance Minister’s suggestion and vision

•    Political difference will not block the way for development

•    Good governance mean credibility, determination, accountability, dedication, responsibilities

•    Bengal is the destination of world’s industrialists

•    Bengal is our kormobhumi dhormobhumi matri bhumi sonskritirbhumi

•    Let us work together; service is mine, your vision

•    As a leader I want to work as a sister, as your worker

•    Let us work together . If Bengal shines, India will also shine

•    Bengal is the land of many great leaders. Bengal is the land of Maa, Mati, Manush

•    Your presence has encouraged us to go ahead with our mission and vision

•    We have six helicopter services. Infrastructure is already here

•    We want to extend our assistance to all.

 

Highlights of the speech of West Bengal Finance Minister:

•    No bandhs in the State. The govt wants to change the work culture and this was most difficult, but we have changed that

•    When I came to office, there were 53 thousand factories closed, 1 crore unemployed, 78 thousand lakh mandays lost. In the next year we diminished the mandays lost to 5020 and zero in the current year

•    Work culture has changed radically, even on the day of a bandh, the Finance Dept. has an attendance of over 94%

•    Bengal is the heart of Southeast Asia, north east India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan

•    One lakh acres of land is available for industry

 

Highlights of the speech of Union Finance Minister:

•    I am glad that in your address Madame CM you sent out an invitation to attract investment

•    Delighted that Bengal invited the world at large. Bengal has a historic industrial legacy

•    I am sure that initiatives like these will drive investments to Bengal

Come to Bengal. Ride the Growth

Industry captains praise Bengal at Global Business Summit

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The inaugural day of the Global Bengal Business Summit 2015 started off with the Industry Captains sharing their experiences of working in Bengal as well as intentions of investments in the State.

Reactions by the Industry Captains:

Well done CM of Bengal for improving the ease of doing business in Bengal. Highest acceleration of consumer goods growth in the last 3 months has been in Eastern India and most so in Bengal: Adi Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Group

It is not easy to turn around a sick industry. But Bengal is taking a firm step. I commend industry to come to India. Come to Bengal. Of our new investments of Rs 25000 crore, Rs 3000 crore is in Bengal.: YC Deveshwar, MD, ITC

We find it very rewarding to work in Bengal. We are creating 20,000 more top class talent and jobs: TCS Chief in Bengal

Bengal is back in business. You don’t invest thousands of crores on emotion. We do so because it makes sound business sense. Despite what is being said in the media, decision making in Bengal is quick and precise. Land acquisition was like a dream: Sanjeev Goenka, Chairman, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group

Massive hydrocarbon gas project is coming up in Bengal. This Rs 5000 crore project to be completed in 2018: Niranjan Hiranandani,  House of Hiranandani

We will be doubling our investment in Bengal. We will be setting up a wagon factory at Kulti: Chairman, SAIL

We will take part in Education sector, Agri business, revamping of universities and tourism, Say Yes to West Bengal: Rana Kapur, President, Yes Bank

The CM is working very hard to rejuvenate tourism industry. The State developing infrastructure to promote tourism: Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group