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Economic analysis of BJP's manifesto for West Bengal

The West Bengal assembly election results declared on May 4 have shocked the country. Here, for the first time after independence, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got majority and Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), which was ruling for 15 years, was voted out of power. Even though these election results may have been shocking for the entire country, BJP was completely confident about this victory.

However, as soon as the government is formed, BJP would like to fulfill the promises which were made to the people of Bengal. BJP made many such promises through its manifesto which will make the people economically strong. After the election results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also indicated this. He said that Ayushman scheme for Bengal will be implemented in the first cabinet meeting itself. This clearly indicates that BJP will soon fulfill its other promises.

What does the manifesto say?

The party's vision document was released by Home Minister Amit Shah on April 10. BJP says that the manifesto is a roadmap to make the state a developed Bengal. Improvement in the functioning of the government, schemes for the people and social issues were included in this resolution letter. Although 15 promises were made in this, there are 7 such promises which are economically important for the public.

Benefits of central government schemes

Not only this, after the formation of BJP government, central government schemes like rural employment and industrial schemes can now be implemented rapidly in Bengal. This will boost jobs, village income and local demand. For this reason, many industry organizations have welcomed this election results and have expressed hope of increasing investment.

economic situation of bengal

West Bengal's fiscal deficit is around 3% to 3.6% of its gross state production (GSDP), meaning the government has little scope for spending more. The state's debt is also very high, which is equal to about 38% of GSDP. However, there are many big promises in the BJP manifesto, which may increase the pressure on the government exchequer. Experts say that the market likes political stability, but the real impact will depend on how properly the policies are implemented and how much financial discipline is maintained.

What does it mean for common people?

jobsEmployment opportunities can increase with better functioning of infrastructure and industry.

economic developmentWith increased investment, Bengal's contribution to GDP may gradually increase.

DearnessIf infrastructure and production improve, prices may stabilize over time.

investment climateMore companies may consider investing or expanding their business here, because earlier Bengal was considered lagging behind in doing business.

What announcement for women in the manifesto?

Talk of financial assistance of ₹ 3,000 every month to women. Promise to make 75 lakh women Lakhpati Didi. Pregnant women from poor and needy families will be given ₹21,000 and 6 nutrition kits. Women will be given 33% reservation in government jobs.

Women will be given priority in industrial policy and private companies will be encouraged for this. Free travel facility will be provided for women in all government buses. Hostels will be built for working women in every district.

Girls will be given assistance of ₹ 50,000 at the time of admission in graduation. Free breast cancer screening facility will be provided to poor women above 40 years of age, so that the disease can be detected early and proper treatment can be provided.

Four big industrial zones will be built in the state

The government will create a good environment to make business easier, where all approvals can be obtained from one place. Industrial park will be built in Singur and four big industrial zones will be built in the state, which will increase employment. Haldia will be made a big center of port based development. MSME sector will be given cheap loans and new technology. Natural resources will be properly utilized and the development of Ashok Nagar Oil Field will be accelerated. By modernizing the jute industry, closed mills will be restarted, which will increase employment and income.

Tea gardens will be linked to tourism

To strengthen the tea industry, old gardens will be redeveloped and new varieties will be planted. By promoting organic farming, demand in the international market will be increased. Subsidy will be given for machines, irrigation and processing. Strict rules will be in place to protect the identity of Darjeeling tea. To increase exports, export hubs and better marketing will be done. Tea gardens will be linked with tourism. Small farmers will be given direct access to the market and work on new technology will be done by setting up a research centre.

1 crore jobs and 3 thousand rupees help

The government will provide 1 crore new jobs and opportunities to start their own business in the next 5 years, so that the youth do not have to go out. Unemployed youth will be given assistance of ₹ 3,000 every month while searching for a job. Candidates who have suffered loss due to paper leak and cancellation of examination will be given age relaxation of up to 5 years. The vacant government jobs will be filled on time by resuming them. Banglar Udyam Credit Card Scheme will be launched for startups, in which youth will get help up to ₹ 10 lakh. An assistance of ₹ 15,000 will also be given for Sports University, AVGC Labs and preparation for competitive exams.

Focus on strengthening rural economy

According to the manifesto, financial assistance of ₹ 9,000 will be given to all farmers. The price of paddy will be increased to ₹3,100 by increasing MSP. Black marketing of fertilizers will be stopped and cheap fertilizers will be made available. To reduce farming expenses, subsidy will be given on electricity and fuel. Farmers will get 4 times compensation and job opportunities on land acquisition. Cold storages will be created in every block. Mango cultivation, potato products and exports will be promoted. Dairy, fisheries and animal husbandry will be strengthened. Irrigation facilities will be improved and floods will be protected.

Mahendra Bhargava

Mahendra Bhargava is an experienced automobile and business journalist, actively working in the digital media industry since 2018. Mahendra is currently associated with TV9 Bharatvarsh, where he is working on the latest updates, exclusive stories and in-depth analysis related to automobile and business. He has deep experience in presenting news related to auto sector, market trends, new car launches, industry analysis and business in a simple and effective manner. With 5+ years of experience in the automobile and business segments, Mahendra has worked in many reputed media organizations. His career includes big names like ETV Bharat, Dainik Bhaskar, News18 and Zee News, where he worked in multiple roles in digital content creation.

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