The Hindu Business Line : Bengal trade body moots creation of `land bank'

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Kolkata Feb. 14 The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in a recent pre-Budget memorandum to the State Government for the 2007-08 West Bengal Budget, has suggested the creation of a Land Bank for new industries, so that "untoward situations like Singur could be avoided".

It is suggested that if all the districts prepare detailed reports of available industrial and arid lands, a Land Bank can be set up to facilitate expeditious allotment of land. It is felt that allotment of land for both new and old industries that propose expansion in the quickest possible time should be facilitated by removing cumbersome procedures and needless involvement of too many government departments.

According to ICC, the problem was not one of unavailability but of providing rail, road, electricity and other such vital infrastructure to available fallow and arid land, which would help avoid the demand for conversion of agricultural lands for industrial use.

The chamber is of the view that more and more core industries like automobiles should be encouraged to set up units in the State, which would bring in their wake ancillary and downstream units. Pointing out that this will help create a large number of new jobs in West Bengal, the ICC note has sought adequate emphasis on revival of the manufacturing sector.

Suggesting that revival of the manufacturing sector would require closer coordination between industry and the trade unions, ICC has called for confidence building measures between the management and the unions to boost speedy economic growth in the State.

Stating that West Bengal should be re-branded as the knowledge capital, ICC feels that "we need to be known not just as the new destination for IT but as a smart destination for I.Q, and centres of excellence need to be created in biotechnology, medicine, management education and hospitality industry". Kolkata should be the headquarters of the proposed National Knowledge Commission, it is felt.

Pointing out that the tremendous growth potential in the districts of Bengal should be tapped effectively, the chamber has sought specific policy initiatives for each district. If the State has to emerge as a preferred investment destination, development of industrial hubs in the districts and villages is of utmost importance.

Stressing on effective linkages between public, private and non-profit organisations for taking development to the grassroots level, ICC has suggested that for facilitating growth at the district level, the West Bengal Government should partner other organisations to map out the district level potential.

Power charges

Citing the ailing West Bengal tea industry, now in a financial crisis, the chamber has suggested that in line with the support rendered by the State Government to cold storage and other industries engaged in manufacturing using electricity for electrolysis or heating in electric furnaces, a reduced electricity charge for the tea industry be given.