Mamata tells IT honchos to invest in Bengal

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the captains of the IT industry to cooperate with the state government in order to ensure that Bengal becomes number 1 in the country in IT and ITeS sectors.

Addressing a gathering organised by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) at a city hotel on Thursday evening, she said there is no dearth of talent in the state and if proper opportunity was provided to them, Bengal can become the best in IT in the country. "We have the finest talent and if proper opportunity is given to them, they can make Bengal number 1 in the IT industry in the country," she pointed out. The Chief Minister further added: "Our boys and girls are doing very well in IT in foreign countries and other states. If proper facilities are given here, they will all come back to Bengal."

Urging the IT firms to invest here as Bangalore was fully saturated, Banerjee said Kolkata has the scope for growth and opportunity. "In addition to that, the state has skilled manpower... and cheap also. Attrition rate is also very low," she said.

The state government is ready to take any suggestion from IT experts for the growth of industry in Bengal. "I do not know anything about IT and I am a layman. Sit with our officers and we will give you what you want for the growth of industry except SEZs," she said.

Banerjee added that the land bank in the state was ready and the industrialists can buy land from the state government. "The stage is set for the show and the state government will give full cooperation and hence, you should all invest in Bengal," she urged the IT honchos.

It may be mentioned that the state government has taken up comprehensive plans for the development of Sector V which the state's main IT hub. Several measures have been taken up by Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) to facilitate the IT companies that have been set up in New Town.

In a bid to woo investors, she added that Bengal is the cultural hub of the country and the warmth of the people in this state makes it all the more easy and habitable.

"Invest in Bengal and you will soon find that this will be your second home because of the people, its rich culture and above all the talent pool," she signed off.