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What do you think of the initiatives undertaken by the government of West Bengal to support the rural small and medium scale industries?
The rural small and medium scale sector in Bengal and in rest of the country is a vast area to explore. The rural segment in Bengal has shown a marked improvement over the last 10 years. Inputs in tele-communication and use of electricity by the rural industries and agriculture has gone up considerably. The government has been placing a lot of stress on improvement of infrastructure in the villages, including building of roads, bridges creating better transport facilities, ensuring water supply, etc. Still, in many remote fringes there are huge difficulties in logistics, transportation, and other basic amenities too needs serious attention. We will have to ensure a sustained growth; no economic development can be successful unless the rural sector is strengthened.

Over the years, the improvement in industrial growth, aided by the sustained growth in agriculture and other small scale enterprises has made West Bengal one of the fastest growing states. But the road ahead is full of challenges. Growing inflation has hit the rural peasants and farmers badly, plus there are climatic hindrances. Thus, only sincere efforts to overcome the difficulties would open the floodgates, offering tremendous potential for growth.

What measures you would suggest to facilitate the marketing of the products and services developed by the rural sector?
The concerned departments of the Government have undertaken various programmes like fairs, special exhibitions, which are organized every year in heart of the Kolkata city. Also, many craftsmen from other parts of the country come here to participate in such events. This provides our poor artisans a big platform in displaying and selling their work. It feels so nice to participate in a fair like Karigar Haat, the government, along with NABARD and some NGOs jointly supports this kind of programmes. The artisans both men and women are largely encouraged to market their products through this kind of events, and here the urban people get to know about such beautiful products which eventually they purchase at such cheap prices. Thus it's a win-win situation.

Much more needs to be done; I suggest a permanent fair ground should be allotted to support these small industries. Whole year, different sets of people can come and sell their products, which may be agriculture products, art and craft, potteries, also products like soaps, tea etc. I appeal to the corporate houses to come forward and support the small rural industry segment. Also if proper education and training is provided to the poor peasants, I am sure they can come and compete exceptionally well in both domestic and international markets.

There is an absence of market place or a mall to promote the products of rural industry in a holistic way. A permanent ground to exhibit and sell such products will have greater reach and more and more people will be attracted to buy the products as the access will be far easier and this will open up to more business opportunities.

How have the basic land reforms as carried out in West Bengal, provided a boost in field of agriculture, enabling small and medium farmers to compete effectively?
I am of the understanding that the basic land reforms, as carried out in West Bengal, provided a better level playing field in agriculture, enabling large numbers of small and medium farmers to compete effectively in the market. By putting an end to gross land monopoly the West Bengal government improved the efficiency of agriculture and enabled more rapid growth. Promoting healthy competition in the spheres of activity where markets operate through more equitable access, social intervention emphasizing decentralization and accountability.

I feel that we should mobilize small and medium industrialists in the same way. Industrial development should be based on growth of micro, small and medium industry with a key role for the public sector.

West Bengal is growing and lots of investors are coming to Kolkata to set up industries, but then land acquisition remains a problem in the State.

I have announced it in the State Assembly that the Government is seriously considering a change in its land acquisition policy for industrialization purpose to protect farmers' interests.

Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee had already discussed this with his Cabinet colleagues; it would be the Government's endeavour to see that farmers' interests are well protected in case of land acquisition.

To minimize usage of agricultural land for industrial use and to achieve a balanced and sustainable industrial growth, the State Government is planning to implement a policy for location of industries in a manner so as to maximize the use of uncultivable land, locate industries in backward areas and develop industrial clusters by building proper infrastructure.

Lastly, what s your opinion on the pace of the State's economic growth?
The state is growing and we will have to ensure a uniform growth in all sectors. I see West Bengal as one of the fastest growing states; we have to sustain it through exploring the potential of our agriculture and provide enormous support to the micro-small and medium enterprises. Industry is required and the Government is investing in building the necessary infrastructure as required for the industry.