There is great demand for industrialisation in West Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee announces IITEC Park in Kolkata

Kolkata, May 14: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said there is a strong demand for industrialisation in the state and announced plans to build a new International Information Technology Entertainment and Cultural Park (IITEC Park) in Kolkata. The project will be developed in partnership with the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO).

Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister said, "There is great demand for industrialisation in West Bengal. We are trying to process and give clearance to the requests. In 23 districts, we will create big markets. The building will be constructed by private parties. We will give the land to the self-help group without money. The self-help group will get a permanent market. Out of the 23 districts we have cleared 11 places. The remaining 12 are in process."

She mentioned that the districts where sites have been cleared include Purulia, Darjeeling, Bankura, Cooch Behar, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Murshidabad, Paschim Medinipur, and North Dinajpur.

"Other places would be finalised in the next cabinet meeting. In Digha Jagannath Dham, a new market is also being planned. In Digha, an International Convention Centre has been built which will be done in Siliguri also. We have done Kalighat skywalk, Swami Vivekananda home, Sister Nivedita home, Tarapith and several other projects," Banerjee said.

"With HIDCO in New Town under the PPP model, in 25 acres of land, we are going to build an International Information Technology Entertainment and Cultural Park (IITEC Park). A lot of programmes will be held here," she added.

The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of delayed salaries for Group C and Group D employees. She said the matter is currently in court, but the state government has come up with a temporary relief scheme.

"We have prepared a scheme for them. We have prepared a scheme under the state labour department, West Bengal livelihood and social security. From April 1, 2025, Group C would get Rs 25,000 and Group D would get Rs 20,000. They were not getting salary since April," she said.

Mamata Banerjee also informed that she will visit North Bengal next week to attend three programmes.

Reader Comments

R

Rahul K.

Finally some good news for Bengal's development! The IITEC Park sounds promising, but I hope the government ensures proper implementation. We've seen many big announcements before that never materialized. Fingers crossed this time 🤞

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Priya M.

As someone from Siliguri, I'm happy to hear about the International Convention Centre coming here. Our region needs more infrastructure projects. But what about better road connectivity? Development shouldn't just be limited to cities.

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Arjun S.

The salary scheme for Group C and D employees is a welcome move, but why make them wait till 2025? Inflation is hitting hard now. The government should find ways to help them immediately.

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Sneha B.

Great initiative! But I hope the IITEC Park doesn't become another white elephant project. We need sustainable development that creates real jobs, not just showpiece infrastructure. Also, what about pollution control measures?

D

Deepak R.

Happy to see districts like Purulia and Bankura getting attention. These areas have been neglected for too long. But will these markets actually benefit local artisans and farmers? Or will they be dominated by big businesses?

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Mitali G.

The cultural park is a brilliant idea! Kolkata has so much to offer in terms of art and heritage. If executed well, this could put Bengal back on the global cultural map. Just hope they preserve the city's old charm while building new facilities.

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