West Bengal's new investment policy wins industry praise for jobs, innovation and ease of doing business

With the West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy, 2026 unveiled on Thursday, industrialists and various Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new policy. CII welcomed the Policy, describing it as a forward-looking and investor-friendly framework that places employment generation at the centre of the State’s industrial development agenda.

Mehul Mohanka, Chairman, CII Eastern Region said, "The policy is a progressive and forward-looking framework that reinforces the State’s commitment to industrial growth and advanced manufacturing and sends a strong signal to investors.”

Bengal Chamber of Commerce & industry welcomed the announcement of the West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy, 2026. “The policy signals a decisive shift towards certainty, transparency and investor confidence. The single biggest relief for industry is the creation of a Dedicated Assured Incentive Fund, ensuring that sanctioned incentives are backed by a committed funding mechanism. This addresses one of the most important concerns of investors, namely certainty of incentive realization,” it said.


Ajay Jain, Chairman, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park Board, said, “West Bengal's new industrial policy sends an encouraging signal that the state's next phase of industrial growth will be driven not just by investment, but also by employment generation, innovation and wider economic participation. What stands out is its emphasis on job creation, emerging industries, research and development, and extending industrial growth beyond established economic centres.”

Harshvardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, said “West Bengal’s Investment Promotion Policy, 2026 is an encouraging step towards translating the state’s economic potential into investment, enterprise and employment. The Government’s emphasis on a unified single window and faster clearances gives businesses the confidence to plan and execute within predictable timelines.”

“The policy's specific provisions for R&D are particularly significant, as they can help strengthen the link between academic research, technological innovation and industrial applications. Encouraging industry-led research and creating pathways for startups to commercialise innovative solutions could help West Bengal develop a stronger pipeline of technology-driven enterprises. The provision for 100% reimbursement of employers' EPF contributions for women employees in MSMEs for 10 years is particularly encouraging, as it can incentivise greater female workforce participation and create meaningful economic opportunities for women,” Jain noted. Coupled with additional incentives for industrial development in priority regions, these measures can help broaden the economic impact of new investments across the state, Jain said.

Vivek Lohia, MD, Jupiter Wagons Limited, said The West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy is a decisive and forward-looking step, and I compliment the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the State Government for their vision. It addresses the three things that decide where capital goes: land, speed of approvals and incentives tied to jobs. In doing so, it aligns Bengal firmly with the national agenda of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

Mayank Jalan, Chairman & Managing Director, Keventer Group: “This policy puts emphasis on execution and innovation. The government has answered the most important question that an investor faces, which is the timeline of the project. The one-stop portal with a stated timeline and designated officer at every stage of application and sanction will bring peace of mind for an investor. It means real ease of doing business. With an employment generating industry like food processing in the THRUST sector, government support for R&D and incentives to hire more women, tailor-made benefits for the ‘strategic’ or ‘mega’ projects, this policy invites us to build and grow with a new Bengal, a new investment destination.”