New industrial policy to be announced soon: West Bengal Minister Ajay Kumar Poddar
Kolkata, July 12
West Bengal Minister Ajay Kumar Poddar on Sunday said the state government would soon announce a new industrial policy, adding that industries from across the country were coming to the state and the government was working to revive industrial growth.
Speaking to ANI on the proposed single-window clearance system, Poddar said the policy would outline incentives for industries.
"An industrial policy detailing the incentives we plan to offer will be announced in the coming days. Industries from across India, not just Bengal, are coming here to commence operations. By leveraging Bengal's infrastructure, talent, youth and mineral resources, we will work diligently to restore the state to the status of 'Sonar Bangla'," he said.
Addressing the bid to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in West Bengal, Poddar said the policy would be implemented in all BJP-ruled states.
"This is our Chief Minister's directive, which some might view as discriminatory, and he will implement it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that the UCC will be implemented in all BJP-ruled states across India. Ensuring uniformity for everyone is essential. The previous Congress government changed everything. Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar granted equal rights to everyone. Stripping us of everything was an oppressive move by the Congress," he said.
The West Bengal government constituted a nine-member expert committee headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine and finalise the draft Uniform Civil Code. The state government plans to introduce legislation during the upcoming Assembly session.
On infrastructure development, the minister said Public Works Department (PWD) road construction projects would begin after the monsoon.
"PWD works, specifically road construction, will commence after October 20, as roads cannot be built during the monsoon season. In the meantime, we are finalising tenders and preparations to launch work on a war footing after October 20. Within three months, the impact of the PWD's efforts will be visible, and the state's landscape will be transformed," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
UCC discussion again? 😒 This is a diversion from real issues like jobs and infrastructure. Focus on industrial growth first, not divisive politics. Bengal needs investment, not more debates on personal laws.
As someone from Bengal, I'm cautiously optimistic. The talent pool here is huge - our youth are some of the best in the country. If they streamline the clearance process and offer real incentives, this could work. But please stop mixing industrial policy with UCC politics.
Interesting to see West Bengal pushing for industrial revival. The mineral resources and port access make it a natural choice for manufacturing. But investors will look at political stability and ease of doing business - hope the state delivers on both front.
October 20 for road construction? That's 3 months away! Our potholes are killing commuters every day. 😡 We need immediate road repairs, not promises for after monsoon. And the UCC mention in an industrial policy announcement - typical political drama!
Important to note that the minister specifically mentioned industries from across India coming to Bengal. This shows the state's potential beyond just local entrepreneurs. The single-window system is crucial - in Bihar, similar moves have helped attract investment. Hope Bengal learns from those examples.
S Siddhartha F