The latest industrial incentive package announced by the West Bengal government in the industrial meet last January, has just been gazetted. How would you rank this package in relation tothose of the other states?West Bengal's industrial incentive package is by far the best in the country. No other state, be it Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka or Orissa can match West Bengal's package. The benefits offered by way of sales tax holidays to deferment of sales tax and its percentage on total assets is the best. We welcome the new policy. The changes made in the new policy are refreshing. It will leave a lasting impact on the state's economic scenario.

In this context, I would like to mention the package for the revival of sick industries. West Bengal needs to concentrate in this sector because of its huge number of sick units. The package can certainly see a turnaround in these units. Even the special offer for mega projects, which will include a substantial amount of infrastructure development, is great. The government has assured special incentives to these projects after a case by case study. This approach will certainly attract more mega projects apart from HaldiaPetrochemicals, which is coming very fast. Small-scale sector has also been included in the package. This is a good sign, after all, this sector contributes most to any economy. Believe me, it is the best available package in India now.

The package is gazetted only last month but it is already six months old. Still, we hardly see any major investment coming into the state. Why?Ignorance is a major problem in West Bengal. People do not like to take the state seriously. Most of the industrialists are unaware of this package. Even many of our members do not know that the West Bengal government has announced such a lucrative package. We are constantly informing them through our newsletters and would also like to use the media for this purpose. We want the industrialists to study this package and then decide on where to invest. Negative image of the state is another important aspect.Incentive package is important, but that is not everything. Other factors like social and physical infrastructure, attitude of thestate government and work culture are also taken into consideration by potential investors before making investments. Where does West Bengal stand among other states on these factors?

I agree that these are major factors. CII has identified three areas for the immediate attention of the state government. First is the development of urban infrastructure. Second, setting up of an effective single-window clearance system and third is the need to restructure the state's power sector. The state has become Calcutta-centric. It is necessary to develop new urban growth centres like Falta, Malda, Siliguri and Uluberia, as there is hardly any land left in Calcutta. Land from sick units should be utilised too. In one of our studies we have found that there are around 2,000 acres of land lying with the sick enterprises. The incentive package for sick units has also made reference on this aspect.

Then comes infrastructure development. It includes development of social infrastructure with schools, colleges, hospitalsand entertainment centres. It is like the chicken-or-egg dilemma. Some feel that social infrastructure development should follow industrial development but it is ineffective today. One cannot set up a unit on open land with no such facilities because top professionals would not like to work in those units. The state government will have to create this infrastructure along with proper roads and other facilities.

Regarding the attitude of the government, I must mention that things are definitely changing. This government is a good listener and there is constant interactions with us. It is trying to resolve some of the critical issues, which are historical too. It is tough to change things overnight but steps are being taken in the right direction. However, the state government must tone up its efficiency level too.

On the organised labour front we have noticed a sea-change. Some of the MNCs have witnessed the best productivity in their manufacturing units located in the state. Potential industrialists mustshed fears of militant trade unionism in West Bengal. It is no longer there.

CII chief Rahul Bajaj in an open meeting in the city categorically said that he will not come to West Bengal. Similar feelings are carried by many of your colleagues in the industry too. Despite this, how would you sum of West Bengal's potentials as a progressive industrial state?

Just wait for a few more years. West Bengal will lead other states. The state government is taking all the right steps. It is just a matter of time now. The state's negative image will be eroded in due course. There is a feel-good factor prevalent in Bengal against the depressing mood of some of the leading industrialised states. This will bring around a whole lot of changes. Wait and see.