West Bengal plans industrial land revamp, new policies amid BHAVYA push

The West Bengal government has initiated a comprehensive review of the state's legacy industrial infrastructure to assess land utilization, tackle infrastructure deficits, and maximize dormant industrial sites. In an interview with reporters on Sunday, Tapas Roy, Minister-in-Charge of the Department of Industry, outlined the administration's plans to rejuvenate older industrial areas and devise new industrial and land policies.

In response to recent media reports following BJP Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya's remarks on the Union Government's 'BHAVYA' scheme, Roy clarified the state's position on the initiative, land readiness, and ongoing policy reforms.

When asked about delays in project submissions, Roy clarified that West Bengal will submit its proposals within August, adhering to a timeline agreed upon during discussions held on July 3 at Vanijya Bhawan alongside Principal Secretary Vandana Yadav. The state formally communicated its schedule to the Union Government via an official letter on July 24.

Although the Centre extended the submission deadline to September for numerous states, West Bengal remains committed to submitting its detailed proposals before the end of August.

Roy emphasized that the review is not solely focused on allocating land for industrial use but rather on ensuring practical suitability for setting up industries. He addressed criticisms over the absence of new industrial parks over the past 15 years by stating that the current administration's priority lies in enhancing existing assets while constructing new, investment-ready land banks.

The state is currently in the process of finalizing a new industrial policy, an upgraded land policy, improved ease of doing business frameworks, and a revamped single-window clearance system.