Bengal's index of industrial production higher: Mitra

The index of industrial production of West Bengal grew higher than the national figure, state Finance Minister Amit Mitra said Sunday.

Index of industrial production is the index which details the growth of various sectors of industry.

"These are the pillars of growth that the West Bengal government has been able to achieve, so it is a proud moment for us," said Mitra on the sidelines of the West Bengal Day celebration at India International Trade Fair (IITF) here.

He also said that the GDP growth in Bengal has been remarkable at 7.6 percent against the national figure of 4.9 percent.

"Similarly the West Bengal government has been able to achieve 21.6 growth rate of tax collection, the second highest in the country," added Mitra.

He said the Bengal government is also working to bring about the craftsmen and artists who have been left out into the mainstream economy.

"Around 5,26,000 artists and craftsmen in Bengal have been given identity cards, which allows them to avail a loan of Rs.2 lakh from the banks," he said.

Six goods from Bengal, including leather goods of Shantiniketan, saris made in different regions and tea from Darjeeling, have been given geographical indication (GI).