West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta (file picture)

With West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta set to present the first Budget of the new BJP government on Monday, industry bodies and companies are genuinely optimistic, expecting it to be growth-oriented and lay out a clear roadmap for accelerating the State’s economic growth.

Leading industry bodies like CII and ASSOCHAM say Bengal should consider fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to key industries, prioritise plug-and-play industrial ecosystems, and leverage its inherent strengths in industry, logistics, and natural resources to attract major investments and create jobs.

“West Bengal is well positioned to strengthen its role as a key economic growth engine for Eastern India and a strategic gateway to regional and global markets. Industry looks forward to a progressive and growth-oriented Budget that reinforces investor confidence through continued focus on infrastructure development, fiscal prudence, ease of doing business and industrial competitiveness,” said Mehul Mohanka, Chairman, CII Eastern Region.

“As the State advances its growth agenda, targeted support for high potential sectors such as advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, electronics, engineering, food processing, digital services, renewable energy and tourism can help attract fresh investments. It will help create employment opportunities and enhance export competitiveness,” Mohanka told businessline.

ASSOCHAM expects the Budget should focus on creating a conducive environment for investment, employment generation and industrial expansion. The budget should prioritise accelerated infrastructure development, including roads, industrial parks, logistics hubs, ports and last-mile connectivity. Also, faster and more predictable regulatory approvals through greater digitisation and single-window mechanisms will help attract big ticket investment.

Mineral exploration

“One area that merits greater attention is mining and mineral exploration. Enhanced exploration activity can also help identify new mineral resources and support the development of ancillary industries. West Bengal has considerable untapped potential in minerals. A policy framework that encourages scientific exploration, faster clearances, technology adoption and downstream value-added industries will help bring in fresh investments and strengthen the State’s industrial base,” said Sanjiv Ganeriwalla, Chairman, Mining Sector East ASSOCHAM.

Aditya Vardhan Agarwal, Director, Emami Group, said Bengal stands at a pivotal moment and this Budget has the potential to be the decisive turning point. “A bold commitment to infrastructure, spanning highways, economic corridors and the long-overdue airport expansion, will not only improve connectivity but signal to the world that West Bengal is open, ambitious and ready for investment,” Agarwal told businessline.

“We also urge the reinstatement of industrial incentives withdrawn retrospectively under the 2025 Act -- a measure that will restore investor confidence, provide policy certainty and spare both Government and industry the burden of prolonged litigation,” he emphasised.

According to Prithish Chowdhary, Deputy MD, Titagarh Rail Systems, Today, investors are looking beyond incentives. They want ready land, infrastructure and utilities, and faster execution. The State should also consider developing country-specific industrial parks, similar to successful Japanese industrial zones in other States, to attract global manufacturers and strengthen international partnerships.

Luxmi Tea MD Rudra Chatterjee pointed out that West Bengal’s first Budget under the new government will demonstrate its commitment of accelerating development. Public expenditure should prioritise competitiveness, infrastructure, skills, healthcare and technology.

“West Bengal’s next phase of growth should be driven by stronger investments in healthcare, renewable energy, and emerging service sectors. Healthcare allocation may be progressively increased to at least 10 per cent of the State Budget over the next five years, while granting industry status to the sector can help hospitals access affordable capital, lower power tariffs, and accelerate infrastructure expansion,” said Rupak Barua, Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council.

The upcoming Budget is expected to focuss on balancing the State’s huge debt of ₹7.8 lakh crore and heavy social welfare spending, according to Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI). “With the State lagging in per capita GSDP, there is significant pressure to drive job growth and improve the overall business environment,” MCCI said in a statement.

Published on June 21, 2026