Kolkata, Jan 10 (KNN) Despite economic hurdles caused by Covid-19 pandemic, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that the state managed to create 12 million jobs, mostly in the MSME sector.

Addressing a G20 meeting on financial inclusion, she said, “We believe in giving a humane face to development.”

The main aim of the government’s welfare programmes, including those on women empowerment is to achieve digital and financial inclusion of the poorest sections of society, the CM told delegates.

She credited the state’s development programmes for the four-fold increase in Bengal’s GDP since she took over.

"We managed to create jobs, grow our GDP four-fold, mainly because we empowered women, small industries, farmers and youth. We are fighting against hunger and have provided free food to the poor," she said.

The three-day event will also focus on remittance costs and SME finance availability, officials said.

Twelve international speakers will be attending the G20 meeting, including senior officials from the World Bank, Monetary Authority of Singapore, France and Estonia.  (KNN Bureau)