Industry leaders seek land reforms and faster clearances in Bengal policy
Business representatives have requested employment-linked incentives and improved infrastructure before the state unveils its new industrial strategy on November 5.
Industry leaders in West Bengal have called for transparent land allocation, quicker project clearances, and investment incentives tied to job creation. According to reports from Mint, ThePrint and Urban Acres, these demands come as the BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari prepares to release a new industrial policy on November 5.
Mahesh Agarwal, Managing Director of Purti Realty, said incentives such as interest subsidies, state GST reimbursement and EPF support could boost manufacturing and investment. He noted that industrial growth would increase the need for warehouses, logistics hubs and industrial parks.
Suraj Agarwal, Merchants' Chamber of Commerce Co-chairman (Agriculture), suggested the policy should focus on agro-based industries and cold storage to utilise the state's production of rice, potatoes and fisheries. Similarly, Keventer Group CMD Mayank Jalan sought reliable power and plug-and-play facilities for food parks to establish the state as a food-processing hub.
Ashok Bengani, president of the Ankurhati Gems & Jewellery Manufacturers' Welfare Association, called for better market access and remuneration to revive the traditional jewellery sector. Suhel Saraf, Managing Director of Sugam, stated that a single-window mechanism and a transparent land framework would provide the predictability investors require.
Prashant Modi, Vice Chairman and MD of Great Eastern Energy Corporation, urged the recognition of natural gas as an industrial enabler, citing Raniganj coalfield resources. Meanwhile, Ambuja Neotia Group Chairman Harshvardhan Neotia emphasised the need for simpler procedures and industry-linked skill development to support young entrepreneurs.