Kolkata, November 5, 2026: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has welcomed the West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy 2026, launched on November 5, describing it as a progressive, investor-friendly framework aimed at accelerating industrial development, attracting investments and generating employment across the state.
The policy places employment generation at the heart of West Bengal’s industrial growth strategy while extending targeted incentives to priority sectors. Several key recommendations made by CII have been incorporated into the policy, including a GIS-enabled land bank, State Goods and Services Tax (SGST)-linked incentives, reimbursement of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions and provisions relating to open access.
Commenting on the policy, Mr Mehul Mohanka, Chairman, CII Eastern Region, and Managing Director & Group CEO, Tega Industries Ltd, said that the new framework reinforces the state’s commitment to industrial growth, advanced manufacturing and technological development. He highlighted the focus on high-growth sectors, research and development, technology upgradation, specialty steel, green energy and advanced manufacturing ecosystems, stating that these measures would strengthen investor confidence, industrial competitiveness and export potential.
Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Deputy Chairman, CII Eastern Region, Managing Director, Luxmi Group and Chairman, Obeetee, described the policy as an important step towards enhancing the state’s industrial competitiveness. He particularly welcomed the emphasis on employment-intensive sectors such as textiles and food processing, which build upon Bengal’s traditional strengths. He also highlighted SGST-linked assistance and electricity duty reimbursement as innovative incentives that link government support with investment, economic activity and employment generation.
Emphasising the policy’s focus on livelihood creation, Mr Rupak Barua, Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council and MD & CEO, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital Limited, said that the commitment to reimburse a portion of employers’ EPF contributions was particularly encouraging. He appreciated the special emphasis on women and transgender employees working in MSMEs across manufacturing and service sectors.
Mr Prithish Chowdhary, Vice Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council and Deputy Managing Director, Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, welcomed the inclusion of defence, shipbuilding and automobile manufacturing among the priority investment sectors. He also appreciated several proposed incentives, including SGST-linked assistance, electricity duty reimbursement for up to five years, interest subvention, EPF reimbursement, full reimbursement of stamp duty and registration fees, and support covering 50 per cent of the cost of establishing research and development facilities and adopting new technologies.
A defining feature of the new policy is its strong emphasis on employment generation. The state government will reimburse a portion of the employer’s EPF contribution, with enhanced support for women and transgender employees in MSMEs. Additional assistance has also been envisaged for larger industrial units and projects generating substantial employment.
CII observed that West Bengal’s skilled workforce, connectivity, port infrastructure and established industrial base, coupled with greater certainty in investment incentives, position the state as a significant gateway to eastern and north-eastern India. The policy is also expected to complement the Centre’s Act East initiative.
Reiterating its commitment to the state’s industrial development, CII expressed its willingness to work closely with the West Bengal Government through investor outreach, industry consultations and constructive feedback to ensure effective implementation of the policy and establish West Bengal as a preferred investment destination.
Mr Rupak Barua, Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council, and MD & CEO, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital Ltd.
Mr Mehul Mohanka, Chairman, CII Eastern Region, and Managing Director & Group CEO, Tega Industries Ltd.
Mr Prithish Chowdhary, Vice Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council, and Deputy Managing Director, Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd.
Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Deputy Chairman, CII Eastern Region, and Managing Director, Luxmi Group & Chairman, Obeetee.