INDIAN STATES : WEST BENGAL

Major Industries

Petrochemicals and Downstream Industries

The efforts of the Government have led to the finalization of the project parameters of the Haldia Petrochemicals Complex. Planning for ' downstream growth zones' has been initiated. In this process, dispersal of activities to cover all possible areas of the State will be given priority. It is the desire of the government to encourage the development of downstream industries in the State along with Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) so that most of the units are ready by the time of commissioning of the mother unit.

Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd is a modern naphtha based Petrochemical Complex located 125 kms from Kolkata, at Haldia, West Bengal, India. It is jointly promoted by West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation, The Chatterjee Petrochem (Mauritius) Co. Ltd. and the Tata Group with an investment of $1.2 Billion. The complex consists of a naphtha cracker unit and associated plants, which manufacture:

• Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
  
• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
  
• Polypropylene (PP)
  
• Chemicals

Electronics and Information Technology

The Government is encouraging proposals for setting up large complexes in the 'information technology' segments of the private sector, joint sector and public sector. The Top US-based management consultant, neoIT, has ranked Kolkata among the top three global offshoring destinations. The top 24 global sourcing destinations were surveyed in terms of their current and future attractiveness, based on their access to labour pool, attrition level, telecom and power costs, real estate, wage inflation, airline connectivity, road infrastructure, government support, social environment and crime rates. According to the report, various initiatives taken up by West Bengal government in this sector are fuelling kolkata's potential.

The West Bengal government is looking at developing Tier II cities like Haldia, Durgapur & Siliguri and also suburban areas around Kolkata as the next IT hubs. In the meanwhile, Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority has already floated Expression of Interest for development of an IT park in Siliguri.

West Bengal is on a fast track IT highway and is poised to become one of the top three states in India by 2010 to contribute 15 to 20 per cent of the country's total IT revenue. In order to capture this significant share of the growth and to provide full support to the investor community, the state has crafted comprehensive policies for the development of information technology in the state.

West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation Limited (Webel) is the nodal agency of the Government of West Bengal for developing Information Technology and ITeS industries in the state and creating value for the citizens. Webel facilitates the growth of the industry by a host of measures such as developing infrastructure in the form of land/buildings for the investors and facilitating processes of clearances that are required to set up business, ensures last mile connectivity, assists the government in all its e-governance projects and brings tangible benefits to citizens in the field of health care and IT education. Webel acts as the single window support centre for all services required by the IT & ITES investors in the state of West Bengal.

Iron and Steel, Metallurgical and Engineering

The efforts of the government are addressed for developing these sectors optimally so that the state is able to establish its primacy in this sphere. With easy availability of raw materials, stable power and skilled manpower, a significant growth is expected. Ship breaking activities are being promoted to make available scrap at reasonable rates to the downstream units. Due attention is being given to ferro alloys.

Textiles

The state occupied an important position earlier in the textile sector. It is proposed to formulate a new strategy for development especially in the areas of hosiery, knitwear, ready-made garments etc. In the silk and silk weaving sector, the government is committed to encourage processing and value addition activities. Emphasis is also laid down on expansion of areas under sericulture.

Leather and Leather Products

This sector has a very high potential for growth due to easy availability of raw materials like hides and skins. Availability of skilled manpower for such activities has been the strength of this area. Export oriented units will be benefited through the setting up of the integrated leather complex near Kolkata. Kolkata Leather Complex is being set up in Bantala, primarily to relocate the existing tanneries from Kolkata (Tiljala, Topsia and Tangra). The complex is spread over 1100 acres of land under PS: Bhangore of South 24 Parganas district. The complex is 15 minutes away from Park Circus connector of EM Bypass. The basic idea of relocating these tanneries is to save Kolkata from pollution. As these tanneries are degrading environment and posing health hazards to the surrounding areas. This will be a modern leather complex equipped with common effluent treatment plant. Central Leather Research Institute will be providing technical inputs and will be designing a common chrome recovery plant. The estimated project cost is Rs 320 crores. The leather complex will be an ideal place for leather processing and furnishing units.

Food Processing, Edible Oil, Vegetable Processing and Agriculture

The government will continue to give priority to these segments on account of the fact that development of these segments will further strengthen the agricultural base and increase employment opportunities in the unorganized sector. The state will help in establishing appropriate linkages between growers and processing units. Aquaculture, particularly brackish water shrimp culture in the estuarine areas will be given priority. Floriculture, tissue culture and horticulture will be encouraged.

Medicinal Plants, Rubber, Palm Oil and Tea

The government will provide necessary support for development in these areas.

Manufacture of Basic Drugs, Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals

Considering the traditional strength of West Bengal in these segments, an action plan is being formulated to attract higher investments in this area.

Optimal Utilization of Minerals and Development of Mine-Based Industries

Mining of dolomite, granite, china clay, limestone apatite and fireclay is being encouraged. In the coal sector, high temperature coal carbonization will be encouraged.

Gems and Jewellery

It is proposed to avail of the sophisticated skills available in the state for promotion of jewellery making.

Tourism and Tourist Related Activities

In view of the high employment potentials in this sector, the government is formulating a separate policy for development of tourism. The objective is to realize the full potential of locations like the Sunderbans, hills of Darjeeling, forests of Dooars, places of importance from the heritage point of view and the seaside resorts in coastal areas.