Without mentioning the fiasco during Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that despite good works done by her TMC government in the state, a section of people tries to defame her and her party.
Speaking at a conference of the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, the chief minister said, “Despite our state being deprived, we have reduced unemployment by 40 percent. This information is mentioned in a report of Niti Aayog, and not the state government.”
“And still our name is defamed… Some people only spread negativity. The reality is very different,” the TMC chief added.
“We have to run all projects even when the Centre does not pay our dues,” she said, adding that the dues now amount to Rs 1.97 lakh crore.
Asserting that the state has emerged as the commercial capital of eastern and northeastern India, driven by strong MSME-led growth and its strategic geographic location, Banerjee rejected what she termed “ignorant” allegations that the state’s debt has mounted to nearly Rs 7 lakh crore.
Emphasising the role of MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and the neighbourhood shops, Banerjee said MSMEs and these neighbourhood shops were the backbone of the economy and key to employment generation.
“Small is beautiful. MSMEs keep the economy moving,” she said, adding that policy support has helped reduce unemployment and expand credit to small traders.
Citing official data, the chief minister said the state’s exports have crossed Rs 1.15 lakh crore, while the number of registered companies has exceeded 2.5 lakh, which, she said, contradicts claims of business flight.
She said that West Bengal was ahead in agriculture and remained a leading producer across commodities, from jute to rice.
More than 93 lakh MSME units are operating in the state, the CM said, adding that West Bengal’s performance on ease of doing business has improved as per national rankings.
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said, “Nothing happens when the Prime Minister talks about tea. When I say something, many questions are raised. Remember, no work is small. We have stopped the hartal, strike. If someone has a problem, then we try to solve it.”
Meanwhile, the CM announced the formation of the West Bengal Traders Welfare Board to resolve trade-related issues. According to the CM, this welfare board will meet every month to resolve industrial trade issues.
The TMC chief said that separate business hubs for trade and export sectors will be created in Kolkata and Siliguri to take the state’s business forward. The government will give special emphasis on packaging and branding in the coming days.