What is your opinion about the Status of Industry in West Bengal?
In West Bengal, industrial development shows a mixed picture. In recent past, there has been a significant development in the areas relating to hydrocarbon and refining sector. Two separate plants in the anomalies area, viz, world glass, PTA Plant and largest PTA based bottle grade polymer plant. Side by side with these capital-intensive projects, there has been significant growth in Information Technology Sector, where the annual growth rate has been overside percentage in the last 3 years as compared to the national average of 50 %. In the Year ending March, 2001, IT software exports from software technology park unit is expected to cross Rs. 1000 crores as compared to Rs. 700 crores, in the year ending March, 2000. But against these robust developments, the performance of the integrated steel plants, Machine building industries, pharmaceutical units, Fertiliser units have been less than satisfactory.

What do you think of the major problems of Industry in West Bengal?
There appears to be continuing misgivings, especially in case of fresh investment in West Bengal based on old mindset regarding labour indiscipline, poor productivity or shortages of infrastructural deficiencies etc. But new investments are taking place in West Bengal in the last 3 years both in capital intensive and knowledge intensive sectors and which is not to be supported these misgivings.

Do you suggest any measures to improve the status of the industry in West Bengal?
The single most important measure in promoting industrial development, is to remove the old mindset regarding in factor advantages, enjoy by West Bengal and simultaneously to implement time bound measures to improve infrastructural facilities, particularly, injurious of roads, ports and social amenities, mainly in education and health sectors.

Where does West Bengal stand compared to other industrially advanced states?
In my personal view, West Bengal stands perhaps, in the 5th or 6th position amongst the 10 most industrially advanced states in India.

How do you see the future of West Bengal as an investment destination?
In the coming years, the future of West Bengal as an investment destination shows a bright picture.