Demonetisation move has hit interests of common people, says Sobhandeb Chatterjee

Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi believes West Bengal has regained its past glory since last few years. The governor, who was addressing at foundation stone laying ceremony of regional office of The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), said that Bengal is the gateway of South-east Asia. The economic development of Bengal is connected to the country’s growth. However, the Governor believes that the Centre’s demonetisation drive is a bold step taken to root out the black money from the country. “This is a bold step so let us rule out the negative thoughts from our mind,” Tripathi said.

State power minister Sobhandeb Chatterjee, on the other hand said that the demonetisation drive has hit the interests of the common people. “I cannot make any comments on the basis of what the Governor said. I can only put forth my opinion on demonetisation and that is an undemocratic move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Chaterjee said adding: “We are not against weeding out black money. But this is certainly not the process where common people are facing the plight. The leader of the nation is somebody who can predict the future. The Prime Minister failed to predict the troubles of the common people after announcing the demonetisation drive.”

ASSOCHAM, the 97-year old Apex chamber of the country is all set to strengthen its foothold in East India. The Chamber was established as The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India and Ceylon in 1920, by a group of Chamber of Commerce led by Calcutta Traders Association. “The Chamber started to build its office at Kolkata. The building will be erected at Salt Lake’s BJ Block, where a 23.5 cottah of land was taken,” said Perminder Kaur, Region Director of ASSOCHAM.

Sunil Kanoria, President of ASSOCHAM said that the Chamber will bring within its ambit, a large number of distinguished industrialists, entrepreneurs and professionals from Bengal. Our focus is on eastern and North-eastern states at national and international level. Sanjay Jhunjhunwala, chairman of the Eastern Region ASSOCHAM said that several large corporate groups with business operations across India and abroad are members of the Chamber. “The rich entrepreneurial and business acumen of its members has been a great asset in fostering value creation and articulating the legitimate aspirations of industry and trade,” Jhunjhunwala said.