States » EastPosted at: Nov 5 2026 11:33PM


West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari signals fresh industrial push in Singur, talks held with Ashok Leyland

Kolkata, Nov 5 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday signalled a fresh industrial push in Singur, the site of the Tata Nano project abandoned after a prolonged farmers’ agitation, saying his government had held preliminary discussions with commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland for a possible investment in the area.
“We will certainly do something in Singur. We have held preliminary discussions with the reputed commercial heavy vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland. But we do not want to sign only an MoU and create a publicity stunt,” Adhikari said while unveiling the state’s new industrial policy at an event in New Town.
The announcement marks an attempt by the state government to revive industrial activity at a site that became a national symbol of the contentious politics surrounding land acquisition and industrialisation.
Adhikari said his government would seek investment that translated into actual projects and employment, rather than rely on memoranda of understanding announced for publicity. “There will be no firing on farmers during land acquisition for industry,” he said, drawing a contrast with the confrontation that surrounded the Tata project.
The Nano plant was established after the then Left Front government, headed by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, acquired land in Singur following the 2006 Assembly election. The project faced sustained protests led by then Opposition leader Mamata Banerjee over the acquisition of multi-crop farmland. The Tata group subsequently withdrew from Singur and shifted the Nano project to Gujarat.
After the Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011, Banerjee’s government returned land to farmers who had been unwilling to part with it. Adhikari said Bengal needed a different approach to attracting investment. “The previous government used to spend crores of rupees on the Bengal Global Business Summit, but nothing substantial came of it. We will not follow that path,” he said.
The new industrial policy provides incentives for large industries, with assistance of up to 120 per cent, and additional benefits for units using environment-friendly electricity and employing women. The government may also provide grants for hostels for working women, he said. Manufacturing units would be eligible for financial assistance linked to State Goods and Services Tax, while industries setting up facilities in backward areas would receive additional incentives.
The policy also seeks to promote micro, small and medium enterprises, large industries and the services sector, besides encouraging the revival of sick and closed industrial units, green power and research and development. Fifteen sectors have been identified for focused promotion.
Adhikari said the government would also provide incentives for investments in non-profit institutions such as hospitals, medical colleges and universities, including stamp duty exemptions of up to 100 per cent.
Seeking to reassure investors, the Chief Minister said Bengal would no longer tolerate local syndicates or extortion. “During the previous government’s tenure, the Chittaranjan and Haldia industrial belts were completely destroyed. There will be no syndicates or extortion in Bengal any more. Every promise made in the manifesto will be fulfilled,” he said.
Adhikari acknowledged that the state had substantial outstanding liabilities towards industrial incentives, but said these would be cleared as its finances improved. “We do what we say. However, it would not be realistic to set a specific deadline at this stage,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Bengal had nearly two crore educated unemployed people, while around 70 lakh migrant workers had moved to other states in search of employment, highlighting the need for industrial expansion and job creation.
On the proposed Tajpur port, Adhikari said the Adani group had told him that the state government did not own even one acre of land at the proposed site, making development of the project difficult. The Singur announcement comes as the state government seeks to reposition West Bengal as an investment destination. UNI SEN CDS
Tags: #West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari signals fresh industrial push in Singur# talks held with Ashok Leyland
More News

Manipur's natural heritage must be protected: Dy CM Losii Dikho

06 Nov 2026 | 12:37 AM

Imphal, Nov 5 (UNI) Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho Thursday called for collective responsibility in protecting Manipur's natural heritage, describing the state as a God-gifted land blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural diversity and beautiful people.

see more..

Manipur CM for dedicated department for handloom sector

06 Nov 2026 | 12:33 AM

Imphal, Nov 5 (UNI) Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has announced that the State Government is considering the establishment of an upgraded, full-fledged department exclusively for Handloom, Handicrafts and Textiles, recognising the sector's significant contribution to Manipur's economy, cultural heritage and global identity.

see more..

Bihar teen's organ donation saves three lives; family turns personal tragedy into hope

06 Nov 2026 | 12:24 AM

Patna, Nov 5 (UNI) In an extraordinary act of compassion amid profound grief, the family of 16-year-old Monu Kumar, who was declared brain dead following a road accident, has given three critically ill patients a new lease of life by donating his liver and both kidneys.

see more..

CM Samrat Choudhary inspects Ganga ghats, reviews Chhath preparations in Patna

06 Nov 2026 | 12:15 AM

Patna, Nov 5 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday inspected various ghats along the Ganga in Patna to review preparations for Chhath Mahaparv-2026, directing officials to ensure adequate security, cleanliness and facilities for devotees.

see more..

Bengal to convert ESI hospital into a Medical College, says CM Adhikari

06 Nov 2026 | 12:13 AM

Durgapur, Nov 5 (UNI) The day the new Bengal government declared it's industrial policy, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that the state has set to introduce another state-run medical college in West Burdwan.

see more..