BENGAL INDUSTRY SEEKS FASTER CLEARANCES, TRANSPARENT LAND POLICY AND JOB-LINKED INCENTIVES AHEAD OF NOVEMBER 5 INDUSTRIAL POLICY LAUNCH
November 3, 2026
KOLKATA, November 3, 2026: Industry leaders in West Bengal have called for faster government clearances, transparent land-allocation procedures, employment-linked investment incentives and improved infrastructure ahead of the state government's scheduled launch of its new industrial policy on November 5.
The policy, which will be unveiled by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna, is expected to outline the government's strategy for attracting fresh investments, accelerating industrial development and expanding employment opportunities. The state cabinet approved the policy on October 28 after incorporating recommendations from a group of ministers involved in its formulation.
Industry representatives have emphasised that predictable regulations, simplified approval procedures and reliable access to industrial land will be essential to restoring investor confidence and encouraging businesses to establish or expand operations in Bengal.
Purti Realty Managing Director Mahesh Agarwal said proposed incentives, including interest subsidies, reimbursement of state GST and support for employees' provident fund contributions, could encourage new investments, strengthen manufacturing and generate employment. He also highlighted the potential for industrial expansion to stimulate demand for industrial parks, warehouses and logistics infrastructure.
Suraj Agarwal, co-chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce, called for greater emphasis on agro-based industries, food processing, cold storage and modern supply chains. He argued that Bengal's agricultural resources, including rice, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, fisheries and horticultural products, could support a stronger industrial ecosystem while improving farmers' incomes and creating rural employment.
The state's traditional manufacturing sectors also featured prominently in industry representatives' expectations. Ashok Bengani, president of the Ankurhati Gems and Jewellery Manufacturers' Welfare Association, called for measures to revive jewellery manufacturing and encourage skilled artisans who had migrated to other states to return. He stressed the importance of infrastructure, market access, financial security and fair remuneration.
Sugam Managing Director Suhel Saraf said a single-window clearance mechanism, transparent land framework and incentives linked to employment generation would provide businesses with greater predictability. He added that industrial expansion could generate wider demand for housing and urban infrastructure.
Ambuja Neotia Group chairman Harshvardhan Neotia similarly called for quicker government decisions, simpler procedures and time-bound approvals. He also highlighted the need for accessible industrial land, dependable infrastructure and industry-linked skill development to create opportunities for young people and small entrepreneurs.
Energy infrastructure emerged as another important issue. Great Eastern Energy Corporation vice-chairman and managing director Prashant Modi called for natural gas to receive greater recognition as an enabler of industrial growth. He pointed to Bengal's coal-bed methane resources in the Raniganj coalfields and potential shale gas reserves, arguing that time-bound clearances and self-certification-based approvals could accelerate production and attract investment.
Keventer Group chairman and managing director Mayank Jalan identified food processing and fast-moving consumer goods as sectors with considerable employment-generation potential. He called for transparent land allotment, affordable and reliable electricity for cold-chain facilities, and greater availability of plug-and-play infrastructure in food parks. He noted that electricity accounts for a substantial share of operating expenses in cold-chain activities.
Ajay Jain, chairman of IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, urged the government to strengthen cooperation between startups and established industries through partnerships, pilot projects and procurement opportunities. He also stressed the importance of supporting technology commercialisation and providing startups with access to markets beyond the incubation stage.
The consultations reflect the range of expectations confronting the state government as it prepares to announce its industrial strategy. Alongside investment incentives, industry representatives are seeking institutional reforms that address land availability, administrative delays, infrastructure gaps and the shortage of skilled workers.
The November 5 announcement is expected to provide greater clarity on the government's proposed framework for industrial investment, land utilisation and business approvals. The effectiveness of the policy will ultimately depend on how its commitments are implemented and whether they translate into actual industrial projects, productive employment and sustained investment across West Bengal.
