West Bengal Government is Pro-Business: WBFM Swapan Dasgupta

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: At the 12th edition of Capital Market Conclave organised by CII in Kolkata on 18th July 2026 , West Bengal Finance Minister Dr. Swapan Dasgupta announced that the state will unveil a new industrial policy in mid August around Independence Day. Aiming to shift negative perceptions, the policy will focus on fiscal incentives, a comprehensive land policy including for idle factories, and retaining skilled human resources within the state.

Crucially, the rising participation of investors through capital markets in business entities of the state deeply reflects investors’ growing confidence in the new government. Supporting this, Mr. Kamlesh Chandra Varshney of SEBI noted that West Bengal consistently contributes 5% to the nationwide surge in demat accounts and IPO participation.

Industry leaders emphasized regional revival strategies. Mr. Vijay Kedia (Kedia Securities) called for more corporate listings to reclaim the region’s lost GDP share, while Mr. Krishnan Iyer (NSE) highlighted a shift toward market-driven growth led by SMEs. Ms. Geetha Gangadharan (BSE) emphasized governance as a key pillar for global funding. Despite global headwinds cited by CII West Bengal Chairman Mr. Rupak Barua, Mr. Bijay Murmuria (CII ER) highlighted that rising household financial savings position capital markets as vital conduits to catalyze regional economic growth.