Kolkata, June 25 (KNN) West Bengal Government has claimed to establish as many as 381 new clusters as on 2017 against 49 clusters as on 2011 and develop 20 industrial parks under Scheme of Approved Industrial Park and TexPro Bengal.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal Government has released a report 7 years’ chronicles of Bengal’s progress to highlight the achievements of the state.

In the report, the Government said highest number of MSME establishments - 52.7 lakh – has happened in registered and unregistered sector among Indian States, contributing 11.62% of total MSME establishments in India and employing 1,09,15,626 people (Ref: Annual Report 2016-17 of Ministry of MSME, GoI).

“28,008 units on an average registered per year between 2011-18, compared to 12,192 units between 2004-11. Average 2,09,108 people employed per year between 2011-18 in registered MSME sector, compared to yearly 1,29,904 people between 2004-11,”  said the report.

With regards to the credit flow to the sector, the report said, “Rs. 24,272 cr average bank credit flow per year to MSME sector between 2004-11 against Rs. 7,302 cr per year between 2004-11.”

The report claimed that the state has received Rs. 1500 crore worth business proposals from Hill Business Summit 2018 held in Darjeeling.

The report also claimed that West Bengal’s index of industrial production (IIP) has jumped 259 per cent in the last seven years to 7.9 per cent in 2017-18, as against 2.2 per cent in 2011-12. However, the growth in exports from the state failed to keep pace with industrial production expansion.

The report said that the annual export value from Bengal grew from USD 7.11 billion to USD 8.25 billion in FY’17, registering a 16 per cent growth.

The report said in terms of Ease of Doing Business, Bengal presently occupies the top position in creating a conducive environment for business.

“Load shedding and bandhs are now history. Mandays lost due to strike is zero now. Land banks and industrial parks are available for setting up of industries,” added the report. (KNN Bureau)