Small-scale enterprises would drive the industrial growth of West Bengal as setting up big industries in the State is a challenge due to “scarcity of land”, industry chamber Assocham said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference here, Sunil Kanoria, Vice-President of the industry lobby , said: “(Getting) land is a challenge in West Bengal. Large-scale industries need huge tracts of land. So, the only way out is to promote the growth of small and medium enterprises. This sector will also create more opportunities for employment.”
Non-fertile land
According to him, West Bengal has less non-fertile land compared to other states, where there are large tracts of barren land. “We have to live with whatever resources we have in the State. The State Government can assist the small-scale units by setting up industrial estates. In turn, they can contribute to the industrial growth of the State,” he said.
Assocham had suggested that the State Government set up industrial estates to house small and medium units, Kanoria said.
The Centre should grant exemption from minimum alternate tax and dividend distribution tax to the facilities located within these estates, he added.