Bengal heading for industrial rejuvenation: Minister Agnimitra Paul
Kolkata, July 15
West Bengal Minister In-charge of Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, Agnimitra Paul, on Wednesday claimed that the state is ready for an industrial rejuvenation and thus reclaim its place as one of India's leading investment destinations.
"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and a BJP government committed to transparent governance, policy stability and industry-friendly reforms, the state is poised to usher in a new era of growth, jobs and opportunity," Paul, a fashion designer-turned politician, said in a social media statement.
In her statement, Minister Paul had also given details of the proposed and ongoing investments.
The most major investment proposal, as highlighted by Minister Paul, is from Adani Group which involves a proposed deep sea port project in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, besides the proposed Rs 2,500 crore Adani Arogya Mandir Super Speciality Hospital and Medical College.
According to Minister Paul, even without assigning values to the proposed deep sea port project and Mitsubishi semiconductor fab, the pipeline already exceeds Rs 28,000 crore in investments.
The other major proposals, as outlined by Minister Paul, include Rs 600 crore by Lux Industries, Rs 15,00 crore expansion project of Shyam Steel, Rs 100 crore investment by Fusion CX, Rs 4,500 from Larsen and Toubro, Rs 1,600 crore from Berger Paints and Peerless, Rs 2,300 crore from ITC Limited, Rs 650 crore from Amul and Rs 832.25 crore from JSW Infrastructure, among others.
According to the Minister, for too long, West Bengal had lost investment, industries and employment because of political violence, corruption and policy uncertainty.
"That chapter is coming to an end," Minister Paul added.
She also claimed that the current BJP-ruled West Bengal government under the leadership of the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will restore investor confidence, accelerate industrialisation, create lakhs of jobs and put the state back on the path to becoming India's growth engine.
"The era of fear and stagnation is ending. The era of investment, industry and employment is about to begin," Minister Paul said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Rs 28,000 crore pipeline is impressive indeed. But I hope the government ensures these industries don't come at the cost of our environment. The Sundarbans are already fragile. Need to balance development with ecological preservation. 🙏
Amul and ITC investing? That's huge for our dairy and FMCG sectors. Could create thousands of jobs in rural areas. The previous government drove away so many companies with hooliganism and extortion. Let's hope this new BJP government delivers on its promises.
Encouraging news but I have my reservations. The minister mentioned 'political violence' ending but we still see clashes in some districts. Also, what about the MSME sector? Big investments are great but small businesses need support too. Hope the government has a comprehensive plan.
As someone who moved out of Bengal for work, this gives me hope that I might eventually return. The deep sea port could transform East Medinipur. But transparency is key - we need to see proper tenders and accountability. No more 'land mafia' nonsense.
A Rs 2,500 crore hospital and medical college by Adani? That's exactly what Bengal needs - quality healthcare infrastructure. And Berger Paints, L&T, Shyam Steel expanding - these are well-respected companies. The era of fear is indeed ending. Jai Bangla! 🇮🇳
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