The newly formed BJP government in West Bengal has moved swiftly to prioritise industrial development, with Tapas Roy assuming office as the Minister of Industry and Commerce on Wednesday and outlining an aggressive roadmap to revive the state’s industrial landscape.

Soon after taking charge, Roy held a meeting with senior officials of his department and issued a series of directives aimed at assessing the current industrial scenario. He made it clear that attracting investment and transforming West Bengal into an industry-friendly destination is a key priority for the government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Roy directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report identifying industrialists and major business groups that have left the state, along with the reasons behind their departure.

According to government sources, nearly 6,688 investors have exited West Bengal in recent years, posing a major challenge for the new administration.

Review of investment agreements

The minister also sought a detailed review of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the Bengal Global Business Summit held under the previous government.

Officials have been asked to clarify whether these agreements resulted in actual projects or remained largely on paper.

Another key focus area highlighted by Roy was rebuilding ties between the state government and the Tata Group. Indicating a willingness to engage directly, he said he would personally speak with Tata officials if necessary.

Roy also hinted at the possibility of the group returning to Singur, stating that the government would welcome investments not only in automobile manufacturing but across multiple sectors.

Criticism of previous regime

Launching a sharp critique of the previous Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee, Roy alleged that both industry and agriculture had stagnated over the past 15 years.

He dismissed past investment summits as largely symbolic, saying future initiatives would focus on tangible outcomes.

To address one of the major hurdles in industrial expansion, Roy announced that a transparent land acquisition policy would be formulated within the first 100 days of the government, aimed at simplifying land procurement for industrial projects.

Major investment boost ahead

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit the state on June 13 to inaugurate a modern manufacturing facility at Sankrail Industrial Park. The plant, set up by the Amul group with an investment of Rs 650 crore, is being seen as a significant boost to industrial activity in the state.

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, Roy said the entry of a major industrial player like Amul would send a positive signal to other investors and help restore confidence in West Bengal’s industrial potential.

The developments mark the beginning of what the BJP government describes as a renewed push to reclaim the state’s lost industrial prominence.

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