Northern West Bengal gives its mixed response over Union Budget 2015

SILIGURI: The Union Budget received a mixed response from north-west Bengal, with some intiatives receiving kudos, while many demands appeared to have been lost in the din.

While speaking on the budget, PK Shah, ex-chairman, CII, North Bengal chapter, said, “Being the gateway to the North East, north-west Bengal will benefit from the projects of the North Eastern region like the AIIMS in Assam.”

“Nationwide special thrust on renewable energy encouragements to small entrepreneurs will definitely give a boost to this industrially backward region,” he added.

But the Budget didn't touch on many specific issues pertaining to the region, especially those related to international border trade, cross-border currency issues, etc., complained many others in different trade and commerce organizations.

North Bengal is a hub of tourism activity, but there was nothing much on offer on this front. But the industry was pleased with government's decision to issue visas on arrival to visitors from 150 countries.

The tea sector, a major driver of the of economy of the region, was most disappointed. “The famous Darjeeling tea is going through a crisis. But there's nothing in it for the budget,” said a senior planter from Darjeeling.

Small tea growers contribute 36% to the national tea yield. “But we are deprived of almost all major support. Once again our cry went unheard,” said Bijoy Gopal Chakroborty, secretary of Confederation of Indian Small Tea Grower's Association (CISTA).