Industrialists urge West Bengal government to raise land celing limit to 50 acres

 A city-based chamber on Monday urged the West Bengal government to raise the land ceiling under 14Y to at least 50 acres from 24 acres in case of land directly acquired from owners.

"At present, as per the Centre's guidelines one-third of land has to be preserved for green conservation. Another one-third land is required for parking of vehicles. In effect, industry is left with just eight acres for medium and large scale industry," newly-elected president of MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arun Kumar Saraf said. Speaking to reporters here today, he said that going through 14Y was a time-comsuming issue and hence raising the limit would boost industry. Adding further, he said if a land was directly purchased from owners for industry and the concerned 'bargadar' was a consenting party, it should be considered as a final sale deed.

The president also asked the state government to take concerete measures to implement the jute packaging norms, primarily in the rice mills to help the jute industry, supporting over two lakh workers. The MCCI said that unemployment rate currently was 15% among urban population and 26% among rural. The chamber would also submit a blueprint to the state government for making the state self-reliant in agricultural inputs and implements. The chamber will adopt Uttr Barendari, a village in North 24-Parganas district to convert the same into a smart village in that area.