As Mamata fortifies anti-BJP front, Bengal drops out from investors' list

As Mamata musters the comrades to bolster the anti-BJP front eyeing the upcoming assembly elections of 2019, the state of Bengal is still struggling to build up its investment-friendly face. Since the beginning of the second stint, the Mamata-led government in Bengal has grappled with a slew of scams that completely tarnished the image of the state. The constant brain drain and lack of jobs have been a recurring problem in the state, believe observers. A recent report tabled by the World Bank further erased Bengal from the radar of the investors. In the recent report, the state dipped four points from the previous position. 

In the last few years, the eastern state of India has rolled out a plethora of steps to create a comfortable climate for investment.  The government of West Bengal reportedly conducted road shows, organised business conclaves and simplified the tax structure to woo investors, reported a leading vernacular daily. 

The Central government has already provided the state with multiple suggestions to keep its investment-friendly image alive and ticking in the global market. After Modi's took over the reign at the Centre, the Government of India crafted a Business Reform Action Plan in association with the World Bank's Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion to further boost the investment climate within the nation. 

In the first year, the Central government suggested more than 90 reform measures to revamp the investment fabric of the state. Among these measures, the state implemented only 47 and secured 11th rank. On the other hand, Gujarat led the list by fulfilling almost 71 measures suggested by the special committee. The state's position further slipped to 15 as other states almost touched the yardsticks set by the centre. Presently Andhra Pradesh and Telangana top the chart of "Ease of Doing Business", said the news report. 

The Bengal government has already shifted Industry Minister Amit Mitra and formed a special committee headed by Rajiva Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary, Micro Small & Medium Enterprise & Textile Dept and Large Industries & Enterprises, to elevate state's ranking in the list of World Bank, said the leading Bengali daily.