Bengal CM seeking to allay fear of industry after CEO's murder

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at an industry core-committee meeting at Rajarhat today sought to allay the sense of insecurity following the brutal killing of North Brook Jute Mill CEO H K Maheswari.

Asked whether Banerjee sought to allay the fears of the industry following yesterday's incident in Hooghly district, Indo German Chamber of Commerce regional director Sabina Pandey quoted the Chief Minister as saying: "Yes.

"Chief Minister herself raised the incident during the meeting and condemned it," she said.

Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce chairman representative Pankaj Parekh said Banerjee told the meeting that some elements were trying to disturb the investment environment, but would not be successful.

The core committee on industry meeting was represented by chambers and businessmen of the metropolis and saw participation of senior cabinet ministers and the Chief Minister herself.

After the over 90-minute meeting, Banerjee told reporters that a detailed discussion on development and industry was held.

"Only work on jute and export policy is due. We are moving ahead and thus Bengal has turned out into an investment destination from manufacturing to infrastructure," she said.

RP-Sanjiv Goenka group chairman Sanjiv Goenka sharing his reaction after the meeting said, "It was a good discussion and we are satisfied ... She is proactive, decisive and conclusive. This is the kind of leadership we want."

Banerjee also laid emphasis on fisheries, eco-tourism and food processing sectors during the meeting.

Industry and finance minister Amit Mitra gave an update to industrialists on the industrial achievements in the state.

West Bengal received a boost with 156 investment proposals worth Rs 28,300 crore in 2013-14. Between June 2011 and January 2014, 296 projects were either in initiation or under implementation entailing a total investment of Rs 78,092 crore.

Banerjee laid the foundation of a convention centre at Rajarhat with a seating capacity of 3000 on a 10-acre plot which would be ready in the next 28 months.