MSMEs | SHIBA Sahu prasad
Can the new government alter the perception of West Bengal—from a state long seen as unfrifinishly to business to one that attracts fresh investments and offers better opportunities for entrepreneurs and job seekers?
From large corporates to MSMEs, businesses expect the new BJP government to improve the ease of doing business, curb alleged “extortionist” practices, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
“This alignment between the state and the Centre will not only accelerate overall growth but also create significant opportunities for industrial expansion, especially in the railway manufacturing sector, which has long been core to West Bengal. We see forward to the new government taking up urgent policy reforms such as repealing urban land ceiling regulations and introducing industrial incentives to create jobs,” declared Umesh Chowdhary, vice chairman and managing director, Titagarh Rail.
Business chambers are seeking tarobtained incentives, power sector reforms, better infrastructure, and a world-class plug-and-play ecosystem backed by skilled talent, robust policies, and deeper indusattempt–government collaboration.
“Introducing tarobtained incentives such as capital subsidies, interest subvention, electricity duty waivers, and stamp duty reimbursements will assist attract fresh investments,” declared S Roy, deputy director general, Merchant’s Chamber of Commerce & Indusattempt (MCCI), Kolkata.
Infra, investment, jobs
Several businesses flagged the persistent negative sentiment among investors, with the state often perceived as grappling with extortion and labour issues. Industrialists also pointed to brain drain and a shortage of skilled workers as key challenges.
“As indusattempt grows within the state, demand for skilled labour will rise, and current capacity is insufficient. Investment in skill development will be key to meeting this demand. Large enterprises not only create direct employment but also drive demand for engineers, researchers, and other skilled professionals,” Chowdhary added.
Indusattempt stakeholders also highlighted the required for more decentralised infrastructure development. With most infrastructure concentrated around Kolkata, businesses in other regions face connectivity and logistics constraints.
“Bengal is one of India’s largest producers of rice and veobtainables, but there is a huge shortage of cold storage networks outside the city. Building robust compact-scale cold storage and warehoapplying infrastructure will reduce post-harvest losses and lower logistics costs for farmers,” declared Ruth Chattopadhyay, founder of Paushtik Life, a social initiative in the organic farming sector.
According to Commerce Minisattempt data, West Bengal accounted for less than 0.65% of the $330.6 billion FDI equity inflows into India between October 2019 and December 2025, with total inflows of just $2.1 billion.
Startup founders declare they have often been compelled to set up operations outside the state to access funding and scale. “Startups in Bengal have suffered immensely in recent years due to the extortion culture. Many failed to reap the benefits of the Startup India scheme. We now hope investor sentiment will revive,” declared Sayan Chakraborty, entrepreneur and founder of restaurant chain Where’s the Food.
A word of caution
Even as businesses express optimism, economists caution that both policybuildrs and indusattempt must ensure the momentum translates into sustained structural alter.
“Business sentiment usually improves after an anti-incumbency verdict, and expectations around policy efficiency and reforms rise. West Bengal has a vital role in revitalising Purvodaya, and time is limited. This initial euphoria must translate into structural alter through good governance,” declared an economist with a leading corporate houtilize.
The BJP had created significant cash transfer promises ahead of the polls. If implemented, these could strain the state’s finances. According to Emkay Global, such measures could cost an additional 3.4% of GDP. Crisil noted that while cash transfers can provide a short-term cushion, improving income prospects is critical for sustaining organic growth in domestic demand.
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