January 9, 2014
Land not an issue for investing in Bengal: Industry Minister Dr Amit Mitra
West Bengal Chief Minister made it clear in the Mumbai business summit Bengal held in August last year that she means business; she explained in details the initiatives taken up by the state government to attract more investments. Accordingly, the Government of West Bengal also framed new industrial and land policies.
That the policies were accurate and the vision were steering the state in the right direction, was proved once again as Kolkata hosted yet another business meet `Business @ Bengal`, organized jointly by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industries and Non Resident Overseas Association of Bengal from January 9 to 10. Around 50 representatives from different countries are participating in this meet, to discuss investment and business opportunities in the state.
Industry Minister Dr. Amit Mitra inaugurated this meet. He informed the participants about the new projects taken up by the government. He also informed the august gathering of the big-ticket investment proposals received by the State.
He informed the participants about the single-window clearance system set up by the Government. He talked about the Industrial Task Force formed by the CM and the creation of a post called the Relationship Manager to act as a bridge between the Govt and the investors.
On the contentious issue of land, the Industry Minister assured the participants that land was not an issue if the investor was really willing to invest in the state. He told that WBIDC alone has 3263 acres of land in the 23 industrial parks in the state currently; the major ones are located at Raghunathpur, Kharagpur, Panagarh and Goaltore.
In terms of human resources, the minister highlighted the success of West Bengal Govt is promoting higher education. He said that the Govt has formed 6 new universities in the last two and a half years and a Bill has been passed by the Assembly allowing private universities in the state.
For skill development, the Government is planning to set up one ITI in every block. The Minister asked the business houses to adopt ITIs, 20 to begin with. He stressed on the need for industry to play an active part in the framing of curriculum. He also shared the plan of the Govt to open 63 new polytechnic colleges in the state – one in every sub division – and asked the business chambers to act as mentors to these colleges.
Citing the example of Raymonds, the Industry Minister Dr Amit Mitra urged investors to set up training centres in the state. He said that Nokia and Samsung are also eyeing such centres across West Bengal. That the atmosphere is conducive for investment is exemplified by the success of the Govt in ensuring peace in Jangalmahal and Darjeeling. Ideological conviction and development work helped the WB CM in winning hearts at these places, commented the minister.
Lastly, the minister talked about the success of WB Govt in expanding e-governance. He informed that every department in the state follows only the e-tendering process, which has resulted in 31.57% growth in tax collection.
