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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, announced the formation of a task force for speedy clearances required for setting up of industries in the state. The chief minister urged the industrialists to complement government steps by utilising favourable ambience resulting from initiatives taken by the state.
A task force, having representation from five departments – industry, land, environment, power and finance – has been empowered to oversee speedy clearances sought for setting up of an industry. “We have already set up a task force today. It is just like empowerment group,” Banerjee said, addressing industrialists during a session at the 4th BIZ BRIDGE, an engineering and manufacturing exhibition, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the state government. The speciallly empowered group will assure that industrial projects don't keep waiting for being accepted and cleared by different departments.
While the task force will tackle the clearances, Banerjee also raised the issue of pending projects that needs to be sorted out. “Government must speed up the work...departments must speed up work,” she added. The chief minister also asked the industrialists to take prompt decisions in case they have project modification in mind after having received clearances.
Referring to sector-specific policies that have been announced by the state government, Banerjee claimed that there's enough earmarked land available and attempts are on to create an industry friendly environment, adding that Bengal doesn't have a shortage of power anymore. She urged the industrialists to make use of the geographical advantages of the state, making it as a base for accessing markets not only of the northeastern states but also of the potential offered by neighbouring countries in the eastern part of the country.
Reiterating her stand on encouraging a better work-culture, Banerjee claimed that the government is not in favour of bandhs. She also urged the industrialists to explore opportunities in sectors like tourism and entertainment.
