West Bengal government to provide land for industries

Kolkata - Debunking reports that non-availability of land is hindering investment in the state, the West Bengal government Tuesday said it will provide land to investors who come up with proposals for industrial projects.

"There is no use sitting and harping on the issue of land. I invite those investors who are facing land problems to come to us and we will look into their problems," state Commerce and Industries Minister Partha Chatterjee told mediapersons here.

"We have land in our hands and we will arrange land for you. We have around 7,500 acres of industrial land lying unused. We are exploring ways to utilise them."

The state government's policy that it would not acquire land for industrial projects and that businessmen need to buy it outright from landowners have proved a dampener for investors and entrepreneurs.

Chatterjee, who presided over a committee meeting on industry involving various chambers of commerce and industry, said the government had received investment proposals to the tune of Rs.1,03,000 crore in the past one year.

"In all, we have received 176 proposals of investment to the tune of Rs.1,03,000 crore till now. They already have the land. That is why they have submitted the proposals. Land is not an issue," said Chatterjee.

The minister said he would meet company officials of Infosys whose proposed project in the state has been in limbo after it was denied the status of special economic zone (SEZ).

"We are very optimistic of getting investments in the IT sector. Other than Infosys, there are many others who want to invest in the state. We will be meeting delegates from Infosys in the coming week," added Chatterjee.