Mamata woos industry, says land acquisition not an issue

New Delhi: Assuring "full support" to industrialists who invest in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today sought to downplay the land acquisition issue in the state saying Rs 56,000 crore worth of investment has come in the last six months.

"I think no issue (of land acquisition) is there. You have seen CII, and all my captains of industry. They have spoken about West Bengal. You will appreciate that within six months, Rs 56,000 crore (investment) is there...it is in process...," she told reporters during an interactive session with the industrialists and media.

Accusing the previous Left government of failing to attract investment to the state, the Chief Minister said her government has created a land bank and would extend all possible support to the industry willing to invest in the state.

[caption id="attachment_139783" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="Notwithstanding the Tata Nano fiasco, the West Bengal CM is now wooing the industry. AFP"][/caption]

"After 35 years there is a big change...Our slogan is rising West Bengal. "We have a land bank here.... Land map is done. Industry is there to purchase land. We will give full support to the industry for different sectors like education, culture, engineering," she said at the ongoing India International Trade Fair here.

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Holding that her government is creating a pro-investment climate in the state, Banarjee said measures have been taken to fast-track project clearances.

"Earlier the formalities were 99 pages, now our government does it in seven pages though a single window clearance. It used to take 372 days (for clearance), now it does it in seven days. The industry chambers are also now in the policy making process," she said.

PTI