Kolkata: In its maiden budget, Bengal’s BJP govt announced it would formulate a global capability centre (GCC) policy, after consultation with stakeholders to attract multinational corporations and high-value technology operations, as part of a broader strategy to position the state as a leading destination for investment, manufacturing and innovation.Presenting the state budget, finance minister Swapan Dasgupta said the policy would leverage Bengal’s pool of skilled professionals and help shift the state’s economy from traditional outsourcing to high-value global business functions.The govt will also introduce a Rs 5,000-crore investment promotion framework, including a new incentive policy, aimed at accelerating industrial development through a cluster-based approach.Speaking on this later, CM Suvendu Adhikari said while the previous TMC govt had discontinued incentive schemes for industry, the BJP govt has made allocations for this.A key focus of the budget was positioning Bengal as a preferred destination for AI-oriented data centres and hyperscale cloud computing infrastructure. Eligible projects will receive incentives such as reimbursement of stamp duty, waiver of electricity duty, dedicated power supply, relaxation in FAR norms and expedited clearances.The govt also plans to identify profit-making state PSUs for listing on stock exchanges. Allocation has also been made for jute and agro-processing clusters.Noting the importance of the role of Durgapur, Asansol, Andal, Panagarh and adjoining areas in industrial growth of the state, Dasgupta said, “Our govt will endeavour to set up a semiconductor unit at Durgapur.” Plans to develop Siliguri as a logistics and trade hub through integrated logistics parks, warehousing, cold-chain facilities and multimodal transport infrastructure, with an allocation of Rs 200 crore, was also announced.The budget has announced major reforms to improve the ease of doing business. Projects worth Rs 100 crore and above will be exempt from obtaining separate approvals from local bodies. An expert committee comprising industry representatives and officials will recommend measures to simplify regulations and reduce compliance burdens within four months.The govt also plans to create a dynamic land bank by reclaiming unutilised industrial land from public sector entities.A startup policy will also be introduced within three months, backed by an incubation fund of Rs 40 crore and a venture capital fund of Rs 60 crore.Commenting on the budget, Ambuja Neotia Group chairman Harsh Neotia said, “What is particularly encouraging is that the budget looks at growth as an ecosystem rather than a collection of individual initiatives.” Sarda Group chairman Ghanshyam Sarda said the budget might well prove to be a turning point for Bengal’s industries.“The emphasis on building a modern industrial ecosystem, alongside investments in logistics and ease of doing business, sends a strong signal that Bengal is once again ready to compete for capital, technology and talent,” said Keventer Agro chairman Mayank Jalan.
