West Bengal govt to unveil new industrial land policy ahead of Durga Puja: CM Suvendu Adhikari

Fresh updates from the financial markets indicate that West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday stated the state government will unveil its new industrial land policy ahead of the Durga Puja next month, with provisions for land pooling, direct purchase and a single-window system to facilitate investments.

Addressing a programme to hand over land to 33 industrial projects, Adhikari stated the draft policy has already been prepared, and it aims to simplify the process of acquiring and developing land for industry.

The CM additionally stated his government was in talks with top firms, and that Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani had assured him the group would invest in multiple sectors in West Bengal.

"I met Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai. He assured me that they will invest here in four-five sectors, and a firm team will visit West Bengal the week ahead," Adhikari stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Industry Minister Tapas Roy stated the 33 projects for which land was handed over entail a total investment of around Rs 7,000 crore, and have the potential to generate nearly 62,000 jobs.

"We will introduce the new industrial policy before Durga Puja. It will have provisions for direct land purchase, land pooling and a single-window system. There will additionally be provision for incentives linked to employment generation. We want to create a business-friendly and industry-friendly environment in the state," Adhikari stated.

The chief minister additionally asserted that the state had learnt from the problems faced by the industry over land-related issues in the past.

"We are not going to misuse our power through the police. We are not here to disturb market participants or farmers. We want to create an environment where both market participants and landowners are protected," Adhikari stated.

Adhikari stated his government was providing land for industry through direct purchase and land pooling rather than acquisition, which he stated was a contrast to the previous Left Front regime that “destroyed 54,000 small and medium industries, including jute mills, across the state” during its 34-year rule.

He cited the Haldia Development Authority's 2006 acquisition notice as an example of a "very negative" land policy under the earlier Left Front government.

The CM additionally criticised the erstwhile TMC government for its land policy.

Adhikari urged industrialists to invest in West Bengal, which he stated has adequate land and logistical advantages, and connected to neighbouring countries through road, rail and ports.

He additionally referred to the proposed 2,000-bed Adani hospital in New Town, saying that industrial groups were expressing interest in investing in the state.