Kolkata, 11 June (H.S.) : West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta on Thursday launched the state government's pre-budget consultation process from North Bengal, asserting that the region has remained neglected and deprived for decades and deserves focused attention in the state's development agenda.

With the state budget scheduled to be presented on June 22, Dasgupta arrived in Siliguri and held an interactive consultation meeting with representatives from trade, industry, business organisations and other stakeholders at Uttarkanya, the state government's branch secretariat in North Bengal.

Addressing reporters before the meeting, the newly appointed Finance Minister said the visit was aimed at gathering public feedback and suggestions for the upcoming budget and should not be viewed from a political perspective.

“This is my first visit to North Bengal after taking charge as Finance Minister. We have very little time before the budget is tabled, and therefore it is important to directly hear from the people. We want to know their expectations, priorities and suggestions so that these can be reflected in the government's financial planning,” Dasgupta said.

Explaining the decision to begin the consultation process from North Bengal, the minister said the region had historically suffered from inadequate attention and required greater focus in policy formulation.

“North Bengal has historically been neglected and deprived. As we prepare the first budget of the new government, it is important that we begin by listening to the people here. We want to understand what kind of development they expect, which sectors require greater support and what provisions should be incorporated in the budget for the overall growth of the region,” he said.

Dasgupta emphasized that the government intends to incorporate feedback received from various stakeholders while finalising its budgetary priorities and resource allocations.

“The purpose of this exercise is to engage directly with stakeholders and understand their concerns. Once the discussions are over, we will assess the recommendations and take appropriate decisions while preparing the budget,” he added.

The consultation meeting was attended by representatives from various sectors across North Bengal, including stakeholders from districts under the Jalpaiguri Division. Participants placed a range of demands and suggestions before the Finance Minister ahead of the maiden budget of West Bengal's first BJP-led government.

The consultations are expected to play a key role in shaping the state's fiscal roadmap as the government prepares to present its first full-fledged budget later this month.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh