Aspirations run high for Budget today

Everybody is waiting for a new announcement as the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already said that along with agriculture the state government’s thrust will be on industry and providing job opportunities to the youth.

The state government has already framed township policy and has earmarked land for six townships that will come up in different areas in the state like Baruipur, Shantiniketan, Howrah, Siliguri, Kalyani and Asansol.

The state government will also provide infrastructure like roads, power and water supply up to the periphery of the township. The promoters will have to buy the land through e-auction.

The land can be booked by 10 per cent of the total amount for one year. During this period, the promoter will get all the clearances required to set up a township. The promoter can extend the term by one more year but will have to pay 12 per cent interest.

The industrialists said the state budget will reflect something on MSME as this is one of the thrust areas of the state government. Hotel industry and start up might get a boost from the state government in the 2016-17 budget. It may be recalled that in the 2015-16 budget, Mitra had announced Sabuj Sathi project where 40 lakh bi cycles were given to the students of state run, aided and sponsored schools at an estimated cost of Rs 800 core. Twenty five lakh cycles have so far been distributed and another 15 lakhs cycles will be given away shortly.

The Opposition had criticised the decision but the project became one of the most successful projects of the state government.