CII welcomes the West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy 2026, launched on 5 November 2026, describing it as a forward-looking and investor-friendly framework that places employment generation at the centre of the State’s industrial development agenda while channelising greater support towards areas and sectors where it is most needed.
Significantly, several key recommendations made by CII have found a place in the Policy, including the development of a GIS-enabled land bank, SGST-linked incentives and reimbursement of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, open access. These measures are expected to strengthen the State’s investment ecosystem, enhance ease of doing business and encourage greater industrial growth and employment generation.
Commenting on the policy, Mr Mehul Mohanka, Chairman, CII Eastern Region, and Managing Director & Group CEO, Tega Industries Ltd said, “The West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy 2026 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. The policy’s emphasis on high-growth sectors, enhanced manufacturing incentives, R&D, technology upgradation, specialty steel, green energy and advanced manufacturing ecosystems is particularly relevant. These measures will boost investor confidence, strengthen industrial competitiveness, support exports and encourage greater value-added manufacturing in the State. CII warmly welcomes this landmark policy and congratulates Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari and looks forward to partnering with the Government of West Bengal to position the State as a preferred investment destination.”
Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Deputy Chairman, CII Eastern Region and Managing Director, Luxmi Group & Chairman, Obeetee said, “The West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy 2026 is a welcome step towards strengthening the State’s industrial competitiveness. Its focus on employment-intensive sectors such as textiles and food processing recognises West Bengal’s traditional strengths and the enormous potential to create jobs and value through manufacturing. Particularly commendable is the Government’s innovative and pragmatic approach to incentives, including SGST-linked assistance and electricity duty reimbursement, which moves beyond conventional capital subsidies. By linking incentives to investment, economic activity and employment, while providing greater certainty through defined timelines, the policy can encourage enterprises to invest, expand and create jobs. CII congratulates the State Government on this forward-looking initiative, which can help West Bengal build on its industrial heritage and forge ahead as a competitive investment destination.”
“The most encouraging aspect of the new West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy 2026 is the thrust on creating livelihoods across the State. It is heartening to see the State Government’s commitment to reimburse a part of the employer’s EPF contribution. I would applaud the state for this focus and commitment, especially for women & transgender employees in MSMEs in both manufacturing & service spaces,” said Mr Rupak Barua, Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council and MD & CEO, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital Limited.
Mr Prithish Chowdhary, Vice Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council & Deputy Managing Director, Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, said, “We at CII applaud the listing of priority areas for investment – it is encouraging to see that defence, shipbuilding, and automobile manufacturing have been added to this critical list, among others. I am very hopeful that the State’s thrust sectors will be crucial to bring in focused investments to the state. SGST-linked assistance, electricity duty fully reimbursed for up to 5 years, interest subvention, EPF reimbursement, 100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty and registration fee, and 50 per cent of the cost of setting up R&D facilities and technology adoption are commendable inclusions in the industrial policy.”
A defining feature of the Policy is its emphasis on generating jobs. The State will reimburse part of the employer’s EPF contribution, with the highest support reserved for women and transgender employees in MSMEs, and additional support for larger units and projects that create significant employment. CII sees this as an encouraging step towards inclusive, job-led growth.
CII noted that West Bengal’s talent, connectivity, ports and industrial depth, combined with certainty of incentives, strengthen its position as a gateway to eastern and north-eastern India as well supporting the Act East policy. CII reiterates its commitment to support the State Government through investor outreach and feedback to make the policy successful.
