West Bengal announces ₹5,000 crore fund for Industrial Policy 2026
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari introduced the new framework to support job creation and manufacturing and services sectors.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the West Bengal Industrial Policy 2026, which includes a dedicated, non-lapsable fund of ₹5,000 crore for incentives. According to Urban Acres, the policy applies to industries that are established or expanded after May 9, 2026, the date the BJP government took power in the state.
The new framework aims to increase economic output and support job creation. It covers both manufacturing and services, including large and small enterprises, as well as hospitals, medical colleges, and universities. Priority sectors identified include semiconductors, automobiles, defence, critical minerals, shipbuilding, maritime industries, and petrochemicals.
The government stated that incentives will be drawn from a specific corpus built through budget allocations. Any funds not used by the end of a financial year will not return to the exchequer but will be carried forward to the next budget. This is intended to provide more predictable administrative commitments for investors.
The policy also addresses past liabilities, with the Chief Minister noting an estimated ₹50,000 crore backlog of dues. He said the state cannot repay these arrears immediately due to its current fiscal position. The government intends to consider these backlogs only once West Bengal achieves a fiscal surplus.
Under the new rules, assistance may be disbursed over 10 years. Units in priority areas located in specific zones can receive up to 120 per cent of eligible investment in plant and machinery, while regular units are capped at 100 per cent. Benefits include electricity-duty waivers, state Goods and Services Tax refunds, and exemptions from registration fees and stamp duty.