Tag: North Bengal

WB CM visits earthquake-affected areas in north Bengal

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on WB CM visits earthquake-affected areas in north Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee today reached north Bengal to take stock of the damage caused by the earthquake that hit parts of India and Nepal yesterday.

After arriving at Bagdogra airport, Ms Banerjee said, “There has been a lot of damage. 55 people are hospitalised in Siliguri. We have sent a rescue team to Nepal already.”

Earlier in the day she tweeted that 31 people out of 336 tourists from Bengal, who were stranded in Nepal, have been rescued. They were being flown back to India.

WB CM met the family of Rupban Khatun, aged 45, a victim of the earthquake. She also visited people in hospital who are suffering from earthquake injuries and trauma.

The government has launched a toll-free helpline number for the control room: 1070.

WB CM has been constantly sharing information regarding the rescue operations through her Twitter channel:

100 new motels to give tourism in Bengal a boost

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on 100 new motels to give tourism in Bengal a boost

The West Bengal Tourism Department has decided to associate with the Public Works and Forest departments in order to modernize and expand infrastructural facilities and give a boost to tourism in the State.

While the PWD will construct more than 100 ‘Pather Sathis’ (attractive motels) alongside almost all the national and state highways across the state at a cost of more than Rs 20 crore, all forest ‘rest houses’ will be upgraded with essential gadgets like air-conditioners, LED television sets, geysers and refrigerators.

Motels facilitating pleasant connectivity to tourist spots would be handed over to the Tourism department by the PWD on completion for maintenance and formation of joint ventures wherever possible for quick recovery of costs.

Revenues earned by the Forest department would be shared by all stakeholders, including private partners, who would promote sales and guarantee upkeep of the facilities for weekend travelers.

Yet another novel method of attracting travelers– both domestic and foreign, would be the arrangement of short ‘home-stays’ deep inside forests with picturesque surroundings.

Promoted through enterprising ‘Forest Protection Committee’ members, these cosy nooks mostly in North Bengal, Dooars and Darjeeling (in places like Tagda, Chimney and Pokriata) would give private entrepreneurs, especially tea garden owners, a run for their money.

However, the most frequented facilities like Mirik, Jaldapara, Gorumara, Holong, Digha and Gangasagar will not be given lesser importance.

WB CM to visit north Bengal, to take stock of damages due to earthquake

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on WB CM to visit north Bengal, to take stock of damages due to earthquake

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee took quick administrative measures after an earthquake rattled vast areas of the State, especially the north Bengal.

She said that her prayers are with the people of Nepal and rest of India which were also affected by the earthquake. She urged everyone to stay calm while hoping for their safety.

The Chief Minister said that the Government was monitoring the situation closely and will be traveling to north Bengal tomorrow to take stock of the damage caused.

Mamata Banerjee had been constantly providing updates of the situation through her Twitter account.

 

 

Addressing a press conference at Nabanna, the Chief Minister said:

• We have opened a control room on behalf of Disaster Management group for the earthquake. The Toll Free No is 1070. The Helpline No is 033-2214  3562.

• I have spoken to the PM. We have informed him about the situation in the State. We are assessing the situation.

• All police stations in Kolkata have been alerted. They will stay in touch with KMC to collect information on damage.

• The State Government will do whatever it can to help people in this time of crisis.

• Three people died in north Bengal. 30 people injured all over the state until now.

• There should not be any panic. We have to take all precautions and prevention.

West Bengal Chief Minister arrives at North Bengal for a two day visit

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on West Bengal Chief Minister arrives at North Bengal for a two day visit

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee reached North Bengal today. In the following days to come, the Chief Minister will chair administrative meetings with the officials of the newly created Alipurduar district and also hold a public meeting.

The Chief Minister is expected to spend today’s night at Suntalekhola in Kalimpong. On 1 April, she will chair an administrative meeting at Dimdima at Birpara, Madarihat in the Alipurduar district. Later, she will be present at a public meeting at Ethelbari in Madarihat-Birpara from where she will distribute several benefits and grants.

The Chief Minister will inaugurate a number of projects and lay foundation stones for many developmental projects. The new Administrative Building for the Alipuduar district is expected to be inaugurated on the day.

The Chief Minister may also distribute cycles to tribal girl students, besides other benefits like Kanyashree, forest pattas, agri-machinery for farmers and other grants.

WB CM attends the closing ceremony of Himal-Terai-Dooars Krira Utsav

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on WB CM attends the closing ceremony of Himal-Terai-Dooars Krira Utsav

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee was present at the concluding ceremony of the two-month long Himal-Terai-Dooars Spots Festival 2015 at a programme held at Darjeeling Police Ground today.

She distributed the prizes to the winners and also inaugurated the ladies hostel of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

The sports festival was jointly oganised by the district police departments of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, the police commissionerate of Siliguri and the State Sports dept.

The West Bengal Chief Minister is on a visit to North Bengal. On January 19, she attended the North Bengal Industry Meet, 2015 at Siliguri, which was the first of its kind in North Bengal. Yesterday, the week-long ‘Uttarbanga Utsav’, 2015 was inaugurated in a colourful programme at Kanchenjunga Stadium, Siliguri by the West Bengal Chief Minister.West Bengal Chief Minister to distribute prizes of the Himal-Terai-Dooars Spots Festival 2015 today

Surge of development in Bengal will continue: WB CM at Uttarbanga Utsav

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on Surge of development in Bengal will continue: WB CM at Uttarbanga Utsav

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the 4th edition of the Uttarbanga Utsav at Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri today. The festival, continuing till January 20, will be held simultaneously in the seven North Bengal districts – Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinjapur, Malda and Alipurduar.

On the inaugural day Banga Ratna Samman was awarded to eminent personalities by the Chief Minister.

Places where the Utsab will take place in the seven districts :

  • Darjeeling – Siliguri, Bagdogra
  • Coochbehar – Dinhata, Haldibari, Mathabhanga
  • Jalpaiguri – Jalpaiguri, Gayerkata, Moinaguri, Kranti, Rajganj
  • Uttar Dinajpur- Raiganj, Islampur
  • Dakshin Dinjapur – Balurghat, Gangarampur
  • Malda – Englishbazar, Gajole, Manikchawk
  • Alipurduar- Falakata, Kalchini

The seven day long festival focuses on film, theater, classical and modern music, sports, dance forms and other such activities.

Highlights of the Chief Minister’s speech:

  • A lot of development is happening in North Bengal.
  • We have set up a branch Secretariat in north Bengal. People do not need to go to Kolkata anymore.
  • We have set up schools and colleges for north Bengal. Institutes like St Xavier’s College have set up branches here.
  • I have come to North Bengal multiple times. We treat North and South Bengal equally.
  • I have come of North Bengal for more than 60-70 times.
  • From Kanyashree to Yuvashree to grants and aid to farmers like power tillers and tractors – we are helping everyone.
  • Few media houses are continuously spreading negativity. They are spreading lies.
  • I request you not to spread lies and negativity about Bengal. Please do not insult Bangla Ma.
  • CPM incurred debts. We are repaying them. Centre is taking away major part of our revenue.
  • We want ration, not bhashan.
  • Centre is not giving us funds for JNNURM, food procurement, 100 Days’ Work. These funds are our right.
  • Centre does not do us a favour by giving funds. They take our revenue.
  • We will organise Maati Utsav on 28 January.
  • Just like I did Global Business Summit, I also care for farmers. I will interact with them at Maati Utsav.
  • We are providing assistance to clubs for sports infrastructure development.
  • Several industries are coming up in north Bengal. The surge of development will continue.
  • Bengal will progress despite all the negativity and propaganda. Do not create hurdles for development by calling bandhs.
  • 10 lakh youths will get skill development training.
  • We could have created many more job opportunities had the CPM not destroyed the infrastructure for 35 years.
  • I will keep working for Maa, Mati, Manush of Bengal. From here I will go to Darjeeling.

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

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on We want Bengal to keep moving ahead on the path of development: WB CM at North Bengal Industry Meet

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.

MSME sector in north Bengal – Marching Ahead

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on MSME sector in north Bengal – Marching Ahead

The West Bengal Government led by Ms Mamata Banerjee has taken several initiatives to speed up the process of industrialisation in North Bengal. From grants to providing services, the government has helped a multitude of small and medium enterprises in the region.

Initiatives like Siliguri Synergy, Synergy Gourbanga, Unique Clearance Centre, Finance Clinic, Statutory Compliance Centres and Technology Facilitation Centre along with various Chambers of Commerce have helped the MSME sector to grow in north Bengal.

 

Some of the initiatives of the WB Govt are listed below:

  • During Synergy Siliguri and Synergy Gourbanga investment proposals to the tune of Rs 1612 crore were received
  • All land related problems solved
  • All statutory compliances done
  • Problems relating to ground water drainage taken care
  • Bank loans worth more than Rs 1700 crore given to MSME sector during April-December, 2014
  • 200 acre of land identified for industrial purposes
  • 29 clusters formed
  • Progress in establishing comprehensive handloom sector
  • Various handicraft centres recognised by UNESCO to be brought under cultural tourism circuit
  • For the first time the Govt will train individuals to become entrepreneurs with training in finance, corporate management, technology and other related subjects
  • B2B and B2G sessions conducted to create an international partnership
North Bengal Secretariat

Business meet to promote Industry in North Bengal

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on Business meet to promote Industry in North Bengal

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 always provides shelter: CM in North Bengal

Posted on | by admin2 | Leave a Comment on Bengal always provides shelter: CM in North Bengal

The refugees from Assam who have taken shelter in the four camps at Kumargram, Cooch Behar, met the West Bengal Chief Minister today.

The West Bengal Chief Minister rushed to North Bengal yesterday afternoon. From her own savings, she had bought a thousand pieces of winter clothing which she  distributed among the people who had to leave everything and flee from their home.

The West Bengal Chief Minister visited the refugee camps at Changmari and Dhimapur High School, where she distributed winter garments and relief materials to the people.

After her visit to the refugee camp at Changramari, the Chief Minister said that these people from Assam are the guests of the State and it is the duty of the State to look after it’s guests.

The Chief Minister said that modest arrangements have been made for food and shelter. Mota kapor are mota bhate bhalo rakhar chesta, she said.

The Chief Minister said that the refugees were victims of the circumstances and she was well aware of their mental conditions.

The Chief Minister, after reaching the Bagdogra Airport yesterday had said that the attacks on the tribal people in Assam were despicable. She said that it was her responsibility to help the refugees. Bengal always provides shelter.

The Chief Minister had appealed not to bring in political angle in to current situation. She said that everyone should come forward with help as terrorism has no colours. It is the time to show one’s humane side and prevent terrorist activities, she had said.