The total worth of implemented projects in 2007 was around Rs 4,000 crore. There is an upward trend in terms of investments in the state.

We have also been able to break the ceiling of Rs 2,000 to 2,200 crore, which was the average investment level in the last five to six years.

Moreover, there are lots of proposals in hand, especially in the steel sector, which is a good sign. Many of these projects are going to start production in the next three years. And with an investment in the range of Rs 4,000 to 6,000 crore, the future does look bright.

There are some concerns regarding availability of iron ore and other raw materials for the steel industry. Do you think all the steel proposals in the state can be realised?

At present, there is an upward trend in the steel sector.

There is demand for growth along with a buoyant economy. This is going to sustain the demand in the future as well.

Now, we have the Tata Motors factory at Singur and about other 60 ancillary units. The automobile sector is flourishing in the state. Tata Telcon is coming up with a unit in Kharagpur and so is Tractor India. Bharat Forge is also keen on developing an auto component manufacturing park to attract investors from India and abroad.

What is the state’s view regarding rehabilitation of the landless farmers for industrial projects?

The system of land acquisition in India is very old. The dynamics have changed — it now includes the aspiration of the locals and the responsibilities of the government. Now, we have made it compulsory for a proposed rehabilitation package to be submitted along with new industrial proposals.

This includes aspects such as employment opportunities, education and housing in the vicinity for landless.

We are asking enterprises to play a role in the future appreciation of land prices once an area is industrialised while compensating the landless. For the elderly, we are in discussion with companies regarding a tie up with insurance companies to formulate a monthly income scheme for them.

We have also roped in several academic institutes such as ICFAI, Jadavpur University, Burdwan University and others to conduct socio-economic surveys in areas where new projects are coming up, so that the incentives given can be need-based and not prescriptive.

Do you think that the state has come out of the shadows of Nandigram and Singur and been able to retain investor confidence?

All I can say is that the investment proposals that we have received in the last one year, shows that people have tremendous confidence in the potential of the state, and we are on the right track.

What do you think is needed most in the state at present with respect to industrial infrastructure?