Bengal CM announces new industrial policy and Singur investment talks
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says the state is in preliminary discussions with Ashok Leyland for a Singur project.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a new industrial policy on Thursday, which includes preliminary investment talks with Ashok Leyland for the Singur site in Hooghly district. According to WION, the Singur area previously hosted a Tata Nano plant that exited the state in 2008 following a farmers' revolt.
Adhikari stated that the government will not use police for forced land acquisition or allow gunfire during such processes. He said the administration intends to purchase land to establish a land bank and is discussing funding with Nabard, ADB, and Hudco, as reported by The Times of India.
The new policy focuses on sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, defence, and advanced technology. Adhikari noted that the government is looking at models where farmers receive priority in unskilled jobs, equity in companies, or a share of developed land.
The Chief Minister also warned that anyone attempting to blockade factories will face jail, promising action within 15 minutes of a complaint. He mentioned that Rs 1 lakh crore in investments are expected in the coming months.
Regarding previous industrial incentives, Adhikari said the government cannot currently pay the estimated Rs 50,000 crore backlog. He accused the previous administration of failing to pay regular incentives, which led to this debt, and said pending dues will be addressed once state finances reach a surplus.
Under the new rules, companies that were allotted land by the previous government but have not started projects will have three months to begin work. If they fail to do so, the land will be reclaimed and the original purchase amount will be refunded.