'Arm-twisting or blackmail can't stall development'

The state government will not succumb to any arm-twisting or blackmailing by those who are trying to stall projects, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday.

She was speaking at the administrative review meeting here on Tuesday afternoon.

Banerjee said the state government had always dealt with the problems of people sympathetically and money had been allotted for their rehabilitation. But there are some who were trying to create trouble and stall government projects in different areas. "We have always cooperated with people and tried to understand their problems sympathetically. But we will not succumb to any arm twisting or blackmailing. In the case of any confusion, people should come to the administration and settle the issue."

She said ever since the Trinamool Congress came to power in Bengal in 2011, steps had been taken for all round development of the state. Despite financial constraints, the state had made remarkable strides across sectors. The Kanyashree project of the state government had earned world recognition.

Talking to local industrialists and representatives of various chambers of commerce, Banerjee said the state government was ready to provide them with all facilities. Rajiva Sinha, additional chief secretary in charge of Industry, said around 160 mustard oil producing units had been brought under one umbrella.

He said around 800 carpet weavers had been brought together and state government had spoken to exporters to sell their products in global markets. A detailed project report was being drawn up and work will start soon. Carpet producing units are coming up at Malgram, Malda and East Midnapore.

Banerjee met the students of Raigunj College and Raigunj University. They thanked the chief minister for helping them pursue higher education.

Banerjee on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of Raigung Medical College. She also opened a 24x7 emergency obstetric care centre at Rasakhowa Primary Health Centre.

Other important projects on the anvil include construction of market complex at Karandighi and Netaji Subhas Mancha at Islampur. A Rabindra Bhavan is also coming up at Kaliagunj. Besides these, many roads in Raigunj, Goalpokhar, Karandighi and Islampur blocks will be upgraded.