‘Lack of convergence of opinion on Bengal development’
March 17th, 2011 - 8:47 pm ICT by IANSKolkata, March 17 (IANS) Former chairman of Coal India Ltd Partha Bhattacharyya Thursday said lack of convergence of opinion on developmental issues between the political parties in West Bengal is hampering industrial growth in the state.
Speaking at a conference on ‘The Greenfield Challenge: The East in Focus’ here, Bhattacharyya said: “There is difference of perception of what development is between the ruling political party and the chief opposition party.”
“Unlike some of the other states, in West Bengal there is lack of convergence of opinion on developmental issues between the parties. The moment this issue is handled, there will be conducive environment for industry,” he said.
Bhattacharya said eastern India, because of its rich mineral deposits and strategic location, could be an industrial leader in the country.
Subesh Das, principal secretary to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, said shift in culture from agriculture to industry was essential for the development of the eastern region.
“There is a need for shift in culture from agriculture to industry. Ideally, the share of industry should be over 50 percent.
“The issues that industry in eastern region faces are lack of proper utilisation of mineral resources. East is rich in mineral resources; there is a need for optimal utilisation of these resources,” Das said.
“The eastern region lags behind the rest of the country in terms of urbanisation. About 70 percent of the net new employment by 2030 will be generated in cities. Therefore, there is a need for development of more cities in the region,” he added.
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