Kolkata: The West Bengal government is preparing a new industrial policy aimed at creating a comprehensive and competitive framework for industrial growth, with the policy expected to be announced in August-September 2026. The government is also working on separate sector-specific policies that are expected to follow in the coming months.
State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said the proposed policy would cover the requirements of different segments of industry, including heavy industries, allied sectors and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). His remarks came during a stakeholder meeting at Nabanna attended by representatives of industry bodies and other stakeholders.
Stakeholder Inputs to Shape Policy
The government has been consulting industry representatives before finalising the policy. Dasgupta said suggestions received from stakeholders would be considered while preparing the final draft.
Once the inputs are incorporated, the draft will be placed before the state Cabinet for consideration.
Focus on Incentives and Ease of Doing Business
The upcoming policy is expected to address several areas linked to industrial investment and business operations.
Key areas under discussion include:
- Fiscal incentives to attract industrial investment.
- Single-window clearances and streamlined approvals.
- Land availability and utilisation, including unused land belonging to closed or idle industrial units.
- Support for MSMEs and large industries.
- Improvements in roads, logistics and industrial infrastructure.
- Measures to strengthen the overall ease of doing business.
According to reports, the policy may also include incentive packages and tax-related benefits aimed at encouraging investment and employment generation. These provisions, however, are part of the policy discussions and have not yet been formally notified.
Industry Bodies Share Suggestions
Representatives of industry bodies also put forward suggestions during the stakeholder consultations. The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCC&I) has conducted a comparative assessment of industrial incentives offered by different states and submitted recommendations to the government.
Industry representatives also raised issues related to the availability of industrial land, regulatory approvals and the broader operating environment for businesses.
Sector-Specific Policies to Follow
The state government has indicated that the broad industrial policy will be followed by sector-specific policies. Earlier discussions with industry bodies have also highlighted emerging areas such as Global Capability Centres (GCCs), advanced technology and startups, alongside traditional manufacturing.
The new policy is therefore being positioned as a broader industrial framework covering investment, land, incentives, infrastructure and employment, with the final draft still subject to Cabinet consideration.
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