Kolkata, 06 August (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed keen interest in the development of the state's textile and tea industries and has assured all possible support to promote the sectors.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Textile Fair at Milan Mela Ground, Adhikari said he recently met Sitharaman in New Delhi, where she praised the high-quality textiles produced by Bengal's weavers and acknowledged the immense growth potential of the state's textile industry.

The Chief Minister said the Union Finance Minister is expected to visit West Bengal between August 24 and 28, and efforts will be made to facilitate her interaction with representatives of the textile industry during her visit.

Adhikari alleged that West Bengal had fallen behind in industrial development during nearly five decades of Left Front and Trinamool Congress rule. He asserted that the state is now witnessing rapid industrial progress under the double-engine government and assured investors that law and order would be strictly maintained to create a business-friendly environment.

Inviting industrialists to invest in the state, the Chief Minister said West Bengal possesses a skilled workforce, abundant talent and significant industrial potential. He reiterated that the government would not tolerate extortion or cut money and is working towards implementing an efficient single-window clearance mechanism along with a transparent land policy for industries.

He said around 200 stalls have been set up at the Textile Fair and expressed confidence that the event would generate business worth more than ₹500 crore. He also announced that land for industrial projects would be allotted to nearly 25 industrialists within the next month.

Adhikari further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed Union Ministers to work proactively for the development of West Bengal. He expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by the Centre and the state government would give fresh momentum to the state's industrial growth.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh