Bengal embarks upon smart public administration

West Bengal has embarked upon smart public administration which is crucial for industrial competitiveness, state Finance Minister Amit Mitra said here on Monday.

According to Mitra, it would cut through time consuming, resource-draining procedures to spur the state's economic growth.

The minister is on a visit to the country's capital to promote the forthcoming Bengal Global Business Summit 2016 scheduled to be held between January 8-9 next year in Kolkata.

Mitra said the most effective change in his state has been the digitisation of services where new and old businesses are required to submit data less frequently, and services can be provided more efficiently and more securely for everyone.

The pricing policy of land in industrial parks is also provided online apart from the disbursement of incentives which has resulted in a more transparent system.

A new web portal has also been put in place that allows entrepreneurs to post their business proposals on it after which the person is connected to investors and professional experts or mentors.

While simplification in the process of issuing trade licences has already been implemented, necessary amendments in the state's labour laws are underway.

He said West Bengal is strategic in terms of its geography, as it is the only gateway to north-east India by land or waterway, and is also the largest vegetable and fish producer in India. It is among the largest producers of rice, fruits and tea.

At a roadshow, which was the precursor to the promotional event, organised jointly by the state government and industry body Ficci, the minister said that apart from the low cost of doing business in West Bengal, the state was also the leader in drawing investments in the micro, small and medium industries in the country during 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Under an agreement with IIM Calcutta, 400 departmental officers are being trained to change the business environment in the state.

During the first quarter of 2014-15, the state's Gross Domestic Product grew by 8.9 percent in comparison to the 5.7 percent growth nationally. The industrial sector also rose by 6.28 percent in comparison to 4.2 percent at the national level.