Fulbari, 11th June: State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta held a pre-budget consultation meeting at Uttar Kanya to hear demands, suggestions and proposals related to industrial, commercial and economic development in North Bengal ahead of the state budget. The meeting marked his first administrative visit to Uttar Kanya after taking charge as Finance Minister.
The meeting was attended by North Bengal Development Minister Nisith Pramanik, Minister of State Anandamay Barman, the Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary of the Finance Department, the Commissioner of Registration and Stamp Revenue, along with several senior administrative officials. Representatives of various business organisations, industrialists and traders from across North Bengal were also present.
Discussions focused on the overall economic development of North Bengal. Key issues raised included the current condition of the tea industry, marketing and export of Malda mangoes, promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises, development of tourism and the need for government intervention to address challenges faced by businesses.
Speaking after the meeting, Swapan Dasgupta said the consultation was organised to gather opinions from different sections of society before the state budget is presented on June 20. He said this was the second pre-budget consultation meeting after Kolkata and included participation from districts including Cooch Behar, Uttar Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Malda.
The Finance Minister said issues related to the tea industry, Malda mangoes, GST-related concerns and the demand for a GST Appellate Tribunal in Siliguri were raised during the meeting and are being considered by the government.