Synergy Conclave in Siliguri attracts investment proposals worth Rs 900 cr
Siliguri: Investment proposals worth Rs 900 crore were received during the Synergy and Business Facilitation Conclave, organised in Siliguri on Tuesday by the Bengal government, said Chandranath Sinha, minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).
Entrepreneurs and stakeholders from Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts participated in the event, which aimed to foster investments and drive economic growth.
The event saw the presence of key dignitaries, including MSME minister Sinha; Rajesh Pandey, Principal Secretary of the MSME department and Gautam Deb, Mayor of Siliguri and other officials.
“In recent days, the MSME sector has witnessed substantial development. We are optimistic that the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts will together generate business worth Rs 3,500 crore in the near future, creating employment opportunities for 50,000 people,” said Sinha. According to official data, 44,579 people from Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts have registered in the MSME sector. For the financial year 2024-25, loans worth Rs 4,888 crore have been sanctioned, of which Rs 4,825 crore was allocated for Darjeeling and Rs 62 crore for Kalimpong. This marks a significant rise from last year’s sanctioned amount of Rs 3,185 crore. The conclave also highlighted various projects aimed at empowering communities and boosting local industries.
Participants were apprised that the state Khadi and Rural Industries Board has decided to set up a common production centre at Vivekanandapally, Kharibari. The project, costing around Rs 1.09 crore, will support 22 self-help groups involving 220 tribal women.
Focus has been given to promoting traditional hill cuisine, with an emphasis on “Thukpa,” a popular noodle dish from Kalimpong. A cooperative society with 32 members has been formed in Kalimpong Block 1 to scale up noodle production.
An advanced netting machine worth Rs 19.87 lakh will be provided to enhance woollen production, benefiting 25 women. Toolkits worth Rs 2.70 lakh will be distributed to 25 women engaged in Thangka painting in Ghoom, Jorebunglow. Training in advanced costume design will also be offered. Memers Golden Pine Production House has received certification from the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET), a first for the region, with the support of the state government. The department is promoting Shiitake mushroom cultivation in Santuk village, Lava, alongside efforts to enhance metal craft production involving 80 families in Kalimpong. Additionally, training and materials will be provided to 120 individuals engaged in honey production, with the second phase of a honey production cluster underway at a project cost of Rs 30 lakh.
