Despite reducing joblessness, we are being defamed: CM Mamata Banerjee at Traders’ Conclave
Asserting that the state has emerged as the commercial capital of eastern and northeastern India, driven by strong MSME-led growth and its strategic geographic location, Banerjee rejected what she termed “ignorant” allegations that the state's debt has mounted to nearly Rs 7 lakh crore.
The TMC chief said that separate business hubs for trade and export sectors will be created in Kolkata and Siliguri to take the state's business forward. The government will give special emphasis on packaging and branding in the coming days.
Without mentioning the fiasco during Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that despite good works done by her TMC government in the state, a section of people tries to defame her and her party.
Speaking at a conference of the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, the chief minister said, “Despite our state being deprived, we have reduced unemployment by 40 percent. This information is mentioned in a report of Niti Aayog, and not the state government.”
“And still our name is defamed… Some people only spread negativity. The reality is very different,” the TMC chief added.
“We have to run all projects even when the Centre does not pay our dues,” she said, adding that the dues now amount to Rs 1.97 lakh crore.
Asserting that the state has emerged as the commercial capital of eastern and northeastern India, driven by strong MSME-led growth and its strategic geographic location, Banerjee rejected what she termed “ignorant” allegations that the state’s debt has mounted to nearly Rs 7 lakh crore.
Emphasising the role of MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and the neighbourhood shops, Banerjee said MSMEs and these neighbourhood shops were the backbone of the economy and key to employment generation.
“Small is beautiful. MSMEs keep the economy moving,” she said, adding that policy support has helped reduce unemployment and expand credit to small traders.
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Citing official data, the chief minister said the state’s exports have crossed Rs 1.15 lakh crore, while the number of registered companies has exceeded 2.5 lakh, which, she said, contradicts claims of business flight.
She said that West Bengal was ahead in agriculture and remained a leading producer across commodities, from jute to rice.
More than 93 lakh MSME units are operating in the state, the CM said, adding that West Bengal’s performance on ease of doing business has improved as per national rankings.
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said, “Nothing happens when the Prime Minister talks about tea. When I say something, many questions are raised. Remember, no work is small. We have stopped the hartal, strike. If someone has a problem, then we try to solve it.”
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Meanwhile, the CM announced the formation of the West Bengal Traders Welfare Board to resolve trade-related issues. According to the CM, this welfare board will meet every month to resolve industrial trade issues.
The TMC chief said that separate business hubs for trade and export sectors will be created in Kolkata and Siliguri to take the state’s business forward. The government will give special emphasis on packaging and branding in the coming days.
Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain.
Experience
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express.
Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news.
Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions.
Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal.
Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla.
Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent.
Education
Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting.
Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University.
Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.
Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More
