CII begins district-wise roadmap to unlock North Bengal’s economic potential
The CII will prepare a detailed report over the next two to three months containing policy recommendations, that will be submitted to the Bengal government.
West Bengal BJP MLA Bishal Lama launched a scathing attack at the previous Mamata Banerjee-led government for neglecting north Bengal and creating roadblocks for central government projects in the region.
In an exclusive conversation with The Statesman, the BJP MLA from Kalchini said, “The people of North Bengal—Gorkhas, tribals and other neglected communities, especially in the hills and Dooars region, have been victims of oppression for the last 15 years. Various departments and factories have been closed.”
Advertisement
Hitting out at the previous TMC government over rampant corruption, Lama said, “There is hardly a single department where corruption has not taken place. It will take time to start everything from scratch.” However, he assured, “the Bharatiya Janata Party will surely work towards the holistic development of Bengal.”
Advertisement
Bishal Lama even claimed that though Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to build an airport at Hasimara the previous state government deliberately stalled it and did not even allocate land for the mega project.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already announced this airport with the intention of enabling even the poorest people to enjoy air travel. Under this initiative, the Hasimara Airport was also included. But the Trinamool government had no intention of taking North Bengal forward. They did not even provide land for the airport,” Lama told The Statesman.
“Now our Chief Minister has announced that what Prime Minister Modi had dreamt of will be fulfilled, and the work has already started in our area,” he informed.
Accusing Mamata Banerjee of intentionally luring people in north Bengal with false promises, he said, “When I questioned them about it, they replied that those projects are with the JDA (Jaigaon Development Authority).”
Explaining the economic viability and importance of the airport, Lama said, “The land is close to the Bhutan border, which is densely populated. An airport will be beneficial for all the residents there. It will not only be beneficial from a security point of view but will also help the area prosper.”
The Minister of State for Home and Hill Affairs also laid out the importance of promoting the MSME sector.
“The 35% subsidy for promoting MSMEs can help industries such as bricks, cement, hardware and others. We also need funds to promote the Vocal for Local initiative, including products made from areca leaves,” Lama said.
Pointing out how this sector can help in job creation in the area, he said, “Not everyone can secure a government job. Those who are unable to get one due to various circumstances need alternative means of earning a livelihood. These MSME initiatives will help them stand on their own feet.”
Speaking on the tea garden owners who have fled without paying the labourers, he said, “They will be identified soon. I had earlier raised this issue in the Vidhan Sabha and even lodged cases against them. I have raised this issue with the Minister in charge of the Labour Department, Arjun Singh. I am also reviewing this issue myself.”
On the recent floods that have hit north Bengal due to incessant rains, the Minister of State assured that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a meeting at Uttar Kanya on this issue and instructed all the departments concerned to take necessary action.” Lama stressed that natural disasters cannot be prevented, the state government is focusing on minimising the damage as well as creating permanent solutions.
“Emergency work is being carried out in several areas, while efforts are also underway to undertake permanent work on 10-foot river embankments. The tender process has already started,” he assured.
The Kalchini MLA pointed out that the BJP is in power in all three hill constituencies in north Bengal indicating that the people residing in the area “voted for change”.
“Our budget allocation has increased, and several central government funds will be utilised. Tourism will expand. Safety, security and healthcare will improve. There will be an AIIMS in North Bengal. Our government will ensure the holistic development of the region,” Lama said.
Advertisement
