Archive · 12 Aug 2026
CII maps new opportunities for Bengal's economic revival across sectors
Long ago, West Bengal was one of India's biggest economic engines.
Over the years, the state's share of the country's money-making has shrunk from 10.5% in 1960-61 to 5.6% today.
The Confederation of Indian Industry, a big business group, says Bengal can grow strong again.
It points to the state's many small businesses, skilled workers, farms, and its location as a gateway to northeast India and Southeast Asia.
The group suggests attracting high-tech company offices called Global Capability Centres and helping small firms grow.
Old industrial towns like Howrah, Asansol and Durgapur could become manufacturing hubs again.
Calcutta and Siliguri could become twin hubs for conferences, tourism and sports, with money set aside for North Bengal.
Better ports, roads, and affordable housing near jobs would bring more investment.
The goal is to make Bengal a top engine for India's future growth by 2047.
West Bengal's share of national GDP fell from 10.5% in 1960-61 to 5.6% in 2024-25.
CII recommends a new GCC policy to shift Bengal from cost-based outsourcing to knowledge-driven, innovation-led functions.
Howrah, Asansol, Bardhaman and Durgapur are seen as emerging manufacturing and entrepreneurship hubs.
Calcutta and Siliguri are proposed as twin growth hubs for MICE, tourism and the sports economy, backed by a ₹1,821.5 crore North Bengal allocation.
CII calls for a state-backed Housing REIT to fund rental housing and support inclusive urbanisation and labour mobility.
- Who
- The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), through its director-general Chandrajit Banerjee
- What
- CII maps opportunities across industry and services to revive West Bengal's economy, proposing measures from a GCC policy to a state-backed Housing REIT
- When
- Publication date not stated in the article, which cites GDP data from 1960-61 through 2024-25
- Where
- West Bengal, India, with focus on Calcutta, Siliguri, Howrah, Asansol, Bardhaman and Durgapur
- Why
- To reverse Bengal's declining GDP share and reassert its position as a leading engine of national growth aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision
- State GDP share in 1960-61
- 10.5%
- State GDP share in 2024-25
- 5.6%
- North Bengal budget allocation
- ₹1,821.5 crore
- Twin growth hubs
- Calcutta and Siliguri
- Traditional industrial centres
- Howrah, Asansol, Bardhaman, Durgapur
- Proposed policies
- GCC Policy; state-backed Housing REIT
- Author
- Chandrajit Banerjee, director-general, CII