Parents, alumni, and local residents have expressed their outrage after learning that the school was shut down by the railways without prior notice. Several individuals pointed out that the sudden closure has left families scrambling to find alternative schooling options for their children. While some suggested that the nearby central school at Bandel could accommodate the students, others called for immediate arrangements to be made for the affected families.
The closure of the school has become a political issue, with Abhishek, the state coordinator and general secretary of the Trinamool Congress-run Bengalar Hridaye Mamata Social Media Group, and other party workers criticizing the railway authorities. They have claimed that the BJP government ordered the closure of the school, with the railway authorities periodically sending demolition notices and locking the educational institution. This sentiment has been echoed by the local community, who have expressed their frustration over the lack of communication and the disruption caused to the students’ education.
The headmaster of Sarat Chandra Bahumukhi Shiksha Niketan revealed that the school received a closure notice from the railways on February 25. In response, parents gathered at the school to protest the sudden decision, demanding answers and a solution. In an attempt to disperse the protestors, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was called to the scene to remove the parents.
According to sources from Eastern Railway, the closure is part of a larger effort to evict illegal encroachers from railway land as part of the planned redevelopment of Bandel Junction Station. The railway authorities clarified that the eviction notices were issued to those residing illegally in quarters at Bandel Station and the surrounding areas. Diptimoy Dutta, Chief Public Relations Officer for Eastern Railway, emphasized that the evictions were being carried out lawfully as part of the station’s redevelopment plan.
While the railway authorities maintain that the closure of the school is in line with legal evictions, the emotional toll on the students and their families remains a matter of concern. Local residents are now calling for the authorities to address the issue promptly and make provisions for the affected children to ensure that their education continues without further disruption.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation Takes Action to Revive and Protect Water Bodies with Fish Farming Initiative
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata : In a significant move to protect Kolkata’s dwindling water bodies, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced a new initiative aimed at restoring and cleaning the city’s water bodies while also promoting fish farming. This step is being seen as a proactive effort to address the growing concerns over the filling of water bodies and the environmental impact of urbanization and development.
For years, many of Kolkata’s water bodies have been filled to make way for residential and commercial buildings, with many high-rise buildings constructed on the land of these once-vibrant water bodies. However, following recent incidents where some of these buildings, constructed over filled water bodies, have fallen, the KMC has decided to take stronger action to protect the environment.
In a bid to reverse this trend, KMC authorities are now mandating the restoration, cleaning, and management of water bodies in the city, including the promotion of fish farming in these areas. The initiative will be carried out in a borough-based manner, with specific actions tailored to each area based on the needs of the respective water bodies.
According to KMC sources, a comprehensive survey has identified over 8,000 water bodies across 144 wards in the city, totaling an area of 1 crore 71 lakh 30 thousand 45 square meters—approximately 8.36% of the total corporation area. This satellite survey, supported by monitoring and photographic evidence, has laid the foundation for the initiative to clean and restore these vital water resources.
One of the most notable steps taken by the authorities is the decision to prevent further filling of water bodies, in line with the West Bengal Inland Fisheries Act of 1993. Under Section 17A of this act, the municipal authorities are empowered to repair and clean polluted or neglected ponds and water bodies, even those in private ownership, if they are deemed to be potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes or environmental hazards.
So far, the KMC has successfully restored and cleaned 310 such ponds and water bodies, and has implemented fish farming in these areas as part of a sustainable approach to maintaining the ecological balance. In cases where mosquitoes are likely to breed, the authorities have worked in collaboration with the health department to clean these water bodies after issuing a notice. A total of 30 water bodies have been cleaned under this specific initiative.
The move has been widely welcomed by environmentalists, local residents, and stakeholders, who have long expressed concerns about the gradual disappearance of wetlands and water bodies due to unchecked urbanization. Many believe that these measures will not only improve the city’s ecological health but will also contribute to the overall aesthetic and environmental quality of Kolkata.
With the KMC’s renewed focus on water body restoration and the promotion of fish farming, this initiative represents a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to protect its natural resources, improve public health, and foster sustainable urban development.
Shuvendu’s Decision to Open Office in Bhavanipur Sparks Speculation Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata : In a move that has stirred up political discussions ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, BJP MLA Shuvendu Adhikari from Nandigram has decided to open a party office in Bhavanipur, a seat that was once considered a stronghold of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The office will be inaugurated on May 1, and a team of over 100 workers is being formed to gather critical information about the area. The development has raised questions about Shuvendu’s strategic focus on Bhavanipur, especially after his previous comments suggesting that Bhavanipur is a much safer seat for him than Nandigram.
The office will be located in ward number 73, which is a key part of the Bhavanipur assembly constituency. This area is also the Chief Minister’s own voting ward, adding to the significance of Shuvendu’s decision to set up a base there. Political observers have pointed out that Shuvendu’s focus on Bhavanipur indicates his preparations for a potential contest in the constituency in 2026.
Bhavanipur has traditionally been a stronghold for Mamata Banerjee, who has represented the constituency since becoming Chief Minister in 2011, except for a brief period during the 2021 Assembly elections. However, the dynamics have shifted following the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP showed significant progress in several wards of Bhavanipur. The BJP led in five out of the eight wards of the area, including wards 63, 70, 71, 72, and 74, while the Trinamool was ahead in wards 73, 77, and 82.
The BJP’s success in these wards, particularly in the ward where Mamata Banerjee is a voter, has fueled speculation about the competitiveness of Bhavanipur in the upcoming elections. In ward 73, the BJP was only 279 votes behind the Trinamool in the last Lok Sabha elections, further intensifying the political rivalry.
Shuvendu’s decision to open an office in a constituency that has long been Mamata Banerjee’s stronghold signals his growing interest in challenging her dominance in Bhavanipur. With less Muslim representation and a higher proportion of non-Bengali voters, Bhavanipur presents a unique opportunity for the BJP, particularly given the party’s strong showing in recent elections.
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, all eyes will be on Bhavanipur to see whether Shuvendu can leverage his party’s momentum and make a serious challenge to Mamata Banerjee’s political fortress. The contest in Bhavanipur is expected to be a closely watched and highly contested battle, with both sides preparing for what could be a significant electoral showdown.
Trinamool Intensifies Voter List Scrutiny Efforts Ahead of 2026 Elections, Abhishek Banerjee to Lead Virtual Meeting
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata : As part of its preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress has ramped up efforts to ensure accuracy in the voter list, separating legitimate voters from those whose names might belong to other states. Party supremo Mamata Banerjee and other party leaders have consistently raised concerns about the inclusion of voters from other states in West Bengal’s electoral roll. This issue was addressed with urgency during the mega meeting held on February 27, where a strong message was sent regarding the matter.
A 36-member committee, led by Trinamool state president Subrata Bakshi, was formed to oversee the revision and scrutiny of the voter list across the state. The committee met on Thursday at Trinamool Bhavan to review progress and discuss further steps. However, Abhishek Banerjee, one of the key members of the committee, was not present at the meeting due to prior commitments. Despite this absence, the leadership confirmed that he would lead a virtual meeting with party officials on March 15 to review the work done so far.
Sources revealed that during the meeting on Thursday, it was announced that the virtual discussion with Abhishek Banerjee would be held at 4 pm on March 15. All members of the state committee, district presidents, and leadership from various branches have been instructed to attend the meeting, where reports from each district will be evaluated and presented to the party leader.
While there was speculation surrounding Abhishek Banerjee’s absence from Thursday’s meeting, Trinamool spokesperson Jayaprakash Majumdar clarified that the meeting scheduled for March 15 would be virtual, and hence, there was no need for Abhishek to be physically present at Trinamool Bhavan. Majumdar emphasized that each member of the committee has been assigned specific districts to focus on for the revision of the voter list. Subrata Bakshi will personally oversee the work in South Kolkata, while Abhishek Banerjee is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the voter list in South 24 Parganas district.
This move by the Trinamool Congress signals the party’s heightened focus on ensuring the integrity of the voter list ahead of the 2026 elections, reinforcing their commitment to fair and transparent electoral processes.
Trinamool’s Mahila Wing Set for March 8 Procession Ahead of International Women’s Day, Pay Tribute to Mamata Banerjee
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata : Bengal is setting a significant example of women’s empowerment across India, thanks to the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. From the increased participation of women in the state’s political landscape to the record-breaking presence of female representatives in Parliament, the progress is undeniable. Under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, women in Bengal have found a stronger voice, and as the state prepares for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, the ruling Trinamool Congress is leaving no stone unturned to maintain this momentum.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, March 8, the Mahila Trinamool wing of the party is gearing up for a major street procession to celebrate the achievements of women in Bengal and to pay tribute to Mamata Banerjee, who is aiming for a historic fourth term as Chief Minister. This show of strength is part of the party’s broader strategy, which has already gained traction after their impressive performance in the 24th Lok Sabha elections. The procession, which will take place across the state, will be a unified expression of women’s empowerment, with women’s MLAs and MPs including Chandrima Bhattacharya and Shashi Panja at the forefront.
According to Trinamool sources, the procession will begin at 4 pm, following a gathering at Rabindra Sadan at 3 pm on Saturday. The march will stretch from Rabindra Sadan to Dorina Crossing. However, with the ongoing higher secondary exams in the state, the procession will be conducted with utmost sensitivity to the examination schedule. The women’s Trinamool will forgo the usual slogans and speeches via microphone, instead focusing on a peaceful demonstration with posters and hoardings.
The procession will not be confined to Kolkata alone. Similar events will unfold in districts across the state, with the same posters, slogans, and themes, showcasing a unified effort to honor the contribution of women, led by the Chief Minister.
This initiative comes at a time when the state’s political narrative is focusing heavily on women’s issues, with the party planning new slogans and posters that reflect the growing empowerment of women in Bengal. As the Trinamool Congress intensifies its preparations for the next assembly elections, this demonstration is a clear statement of their commitment to continuing the progress they have made under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. The party is determined to further strengthen its base, particularly among female voters, in the lead-up to 2026.
Jadavpur University Incident Raises Concerns Over Student Unrest and Political Undercurrents, Court Calls for Vigilance
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 7, 2025, Kolkata : In the aftermath of the events at Jadavpur University last Saturday and Sunday, a growing debate has emerged about whether these incidents were mere coincidences or part of a larger, more purposeful unrest. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh has criticized the failure of both the intelligence department and the police administration in handling the situation, expressing concerns that if left unchecked, such chaos could escalate across the state. The judge’s warnings are particularly significant, given that the upcoming assembly elections are fast approaching, with the police needing to remain highly vigilant.
Justice Ghosh also highlighted the potential dangers of protesters getting too close to those under police protection, comparing the situation to the instability seen in neighboring states. He emphasized that both sides of the conflict need to take responsibility, as once chaos ensues, it becomes difficult to regain control. However, he did not address the underlying issue that may have contributed to the incident—the delayed student elections in colleges and universities across West Bengal. If these elections had been held on time, it is argued, the situation at Jadavpur University may never have arisen.
The absence of student elections has left a power vacuum in student organizations, which are often seen as anti-institutional. In this context, fair elections could potentially result in outcomes unfavorable to the ruling party, raising suspicions that political maneuvering may be at play. The BJP has echoed this sentiment, with Sukanta Majumdar accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to revive the SFI (Students Federation of India) and, by extension, the CPI(M). Majumdar also warned that Hindus in West Bengal were becoming increasingly concerned about a potential “Bangladesh ‘Part Two'” scenario, fearing that their votes were being divided, potentially paving the way for a BJP-led government.
In response to these political accusations, the SFI has vehemently denied any such allegations. They maintain that their discussions with the Education Minister centered around university elections, and that the events at Jadavpur University were fueled by a specific incident involving a student being injured in the Education Minister’s car.
Despite these political debates, one thing is clear: the anti-government student movement in West Bengal has been gaining momentum since the RG Kar incident. The court, in its observations, referenced the situation in neighboring Bangladesh, where student unrest had been manipulated by separatist and extremist forces, leading to significant political instability. The court’s warning serves as a reminder of the volatile situation that could unfold if similar unrest were to spread in West Bengal.
Only time will tell how these events will evolve, but it is clear that the political, social, and security landscape of West Bengal is currently at a delicate crossroads. The state government must take heed of these warnings and address the root causes of student unrest before the situation spirals further out of control.
Key Recommendations and Solutions Unveiled at 2nd International Workshop to Revitalize Climate-Resilient Orange Cultivation in Eastern Himalayas
KalimNews, Kalimpong, March 7, 2025: The 2nd International Workshop on Empowering Farmers for Climate Resilient Orange Cultivation in the Eastern Himalayas was successfully held on the 5th and 6th of March, 2025, at Cluny Women’s College, Kalimpong. The workshop was organized by the Directorate of Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants (DCOMP) in collaboration with Cluny Women’s College, Kalimpong, with the aim to address the challenges faced by local orange farmers, particularly in the Darjeeling and Sikkim regions.
In a press release, the DCOMP emphasized the significant role Darjeeling Mandarin Orange has played as the economic backbone of the region. However, the crop has faced considerable setbacks since the 1970s due to Citrus Decline, which drastically reduced the area under cultivation and affected both production and productivity. During the 1920s and 1930s, Darjeeling and Sikkim generated annual revenues of approximately Rs. 4.5 lakh from orange sales alone. However, the region now produces only a few hundred tonnes of oranges annually, with the once-bustling regulated market in Siliguri now seeing limited supply.
Despite these setbacks, the demand for fresh oranges remains high, and both tradition
al and new orange farmers are keen to revitalize this crucial agricultural sector. In response to these challenges, the workshop aimed to provide technological support to boost production, productivity, and the overall quality of oranges. The workshop gathered experts from across the globe, including researchers from the USA, Iran, and Arunachal Pradesh’s Central Agricultural University, as well as scientists from neighboring Nepal and Bhutan, who participated virtually as well as in person. Local farmers, self-help groups, cooperative societies, extension workers, and researchers also participated, sharing insights and discussing viable solutions.
Key participants included the Honourable Minister In-charge of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Arup Roy, and the Honourable Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), Anit Thapa, along with senior officials from various government departments, Dr. Samuel Rai, the Director of the DCOMP stated..
The workshop featured extensive discussions on addressing technological interventions, with farmers presenting the difficulties they face and seeking practical solutions. The event included six technical sessions, as well as discussions on recommendations from the previous international workshop held last year, where 65% of the recommended issues had already been addressed.
The DCOMP also conducted surveys in orange-growing areas, covering aspects such as area, production, productivity, pest and disease management, orchard management, and soil fertility. The findings of these surveys will soon be analyzed to inform future interventions.
Key Topics and Solutions Discussed at the Workshop:
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Foot Rot and Inarching Technology: Foot rot caused by Phytophthora is a significant issue for orange cultivation. The practice of inarching trees with rootstocks like Rangpur Lime and Rough Lemon has been identified as a potential solution. However, the adoption rate remains low, and efforts will focus on more demonstrations and training in farmers’ fields. Additionally, efforts are underway to source Trifoliate orange plants for rootstocks.
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Trunk Borer and Fruit Fly: Both pests, which pose a serious threat to orange crops, were discussed in detail. DCOMP proposed an innovative pest control solution where farmers receive incentives for catching these pests, a measure approved by GTA.
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Insect Pests and Diseases: The workshop addressed other major and minor insect pests and diseases. New methods for quickly identifying viral and bacterial diseases were discussed, with requests for research institutes and universities to develop cost-effective solutions.
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Soil Fertility and Nutritional Management: Emphasis was placed on improving soil fertility and nutritional management, with collaboration encouraged between the DCOMP and the Animal Resource Development Department to ensure a steady supply of farmyard manure.
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Rejuvenating Old Orange Plants: As many orange plants in the region are nearing the end of their productive life, rejuvenation techniques were explored to save the remaining trees, using available technologies to boost their productivity.
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Production of Quality Planting Material: The government has initiated the production of five lakh grafted and budded plants, specifically on Rangpur lime and Rough Lemon rootstocks, to support the rejuvenation of orange orchards.
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Water Management: The installation of Fertigation and Drip Irrigation systems will be encouraged to ensure efficient water use, particularly in orchards located in water-scarce areas.
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Extension Functionaries Support: A significant focus was placed on strengthening and empowering extension workers with technological support to ensure they can assist farmers effectively in their day-to-day operations.
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Orange Cultivation Guides: DCOMP, along with RRS UBKV, has developed a comprehensive booklet in both English and Nepali for farmers and extension workers. The booklet includes quality photographs to help understand the common problems and available solutions, along with a calendar of activities for the entire year.
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Tissue Culture Laboratory: The Department of Science and Technology is supporting the establishment of a Tissue Culture Laboratory in Mungpoo dedicated to orange cultivation, aiming to promote Shoot Tip Grafting and other in-vitro techniques.
The workshop not only provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge but also focused on forging stronger collaborations between various stakeholders, including local farmers, experts, and government departments. The discussions culminated in several important recommendations to rejuvenate the orange industry and make it more climate-resilient.
Recommendations for Rejuvenating Orange Cultivation:
Research:
- Orchard management, including nutritional and water requirements.
- Localized pest and disease management strategies.
- Development of new products to increase the shelf-life of fresh fruits.
- Compilation of best practices from both domestic and international orange growers.
- Establishment of dependable disease indexing laboratories.
- Long-term research on rootstock selection and climate-resilient, eco-friendly production systems.
Extension:
- Rejuvenating old orchards and starting new ones with grafted plants.
- Implementing drip irrigation systems for efficient water use.
- Creating model orchards for farmer visits and training.
- Formation of farmer-technologist groups for continuous knowledge exchange.
Administration:
- Regular workshops and conferences to keep all stakeholders updated on technological advancements.
- Establishment of model orchards under DCOMP for training and demonstration.
- Ensuring the availability of good quality rootstocks and grafted plants.
- Providing essential tools and resources, including sprayers and fertilizers, to farmers.
This workshop was a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by orange farmers in the Eastern Himalayas and highlighted the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices to revitalize this crucial agricultural sector.
Introduction of Agricultural Drones in Basirhat Revolutionizes Farming Practices
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 5, 2025, Basirhat, North 24 Parganas : The use of drones in agriculture has begun in Basirhat, surprising many and ushering in a new era of technological advancement in farming. A special workshop was organized from the border of Basirhat to encourage farmers in the Sundarbans to adopt modern agricultural equipment, including state-of-the-art agricultural drones, for enhanced farming efficiency.
Court Sentences Three to Life Imprisonment in 2020 Habra Double Murder Case
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 5, 2025, Kolkata : A chilling case of greed-driven murder shook Habra, North 24 Parganas, in 2020, where a daughter and her husband orchestrated the killing of her parents for property. The Barasat court has now delivered its verdict, sentencing the three accused, including a hired sharpshooter, to life imprisonment.
World Hearing Day: Kolkata Hosts Awareness Walk to Address Growing Hearing Health Concerns
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 3, 2025, Kolkata : As hearing problems continue to rise globally, the importance of awareness and early intervention has never been more critical. According to a report by the World Health Organization, approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from hearing issues, with that number expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. In India alone, around 1.17 lakh children are born each year with congenital hearing impairment. With proper awareness and timely medical attention, many of these problems can be addressed effectively.
Basirhat Students Create Innovative Model to Combat Pollution and Purify Factory Smoke
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 3, 2025, Basirhat : Environmental pollution continues to be one of the most pressing issues of our time, with factory emissions and vehicle exhaust being major contributors. In a bid to tackle this problem, three students from Chapapukur Higher Secondary School in Basirhat, North 24 Parganas, have developed an innovative solution aimed at reducing air pollution caused by factory smoke. Their groundbreaking model has already caught the attention of environmentalists and the public.
Subhendu Adhikari Accuses Trinamool of Inserting Fake Voters, Demands Biometric Voting System
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 3, 2025, Kolkata : A political firestorm erupted over voter list allegations as Subhendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition, made serious claims against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Following Mamata Banerjee’s accusations on Thursday about “ghost voters” in Netaji Indoor, Adhikari escalated the controversy by alleging that Trinamool has been systematically adding false names to the voter list. In a pointed attack, he claimed that the TMC has been inserting names of illegal voters, including Rohingya Muslims and infiltrators from neighboring Bangladesh, particularly in border districts like Murshidabad and Malda.
Congress Strengthens Organizational Base Ahead of 2026 Elections, Targets Independent Fight
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 3, 2025, Kolkata : In a significant message to the party workers, the Congress leadership has emphasized the need to focus on strengthening the organization in preparation for the 2026 assembly elections. During a one-day visit to Kolkata on Saturday, Ghulam Mir, the state Congress observer, underscored the importance of building the party’s foundation at the grassroots level before considering alliances with other parties. He conveyed that the party’s priority should be to enhance its own strength, positioning Congress as a key player capable of negotiating any future political collaborations.
Mamata Banerjee Leads Statewide Drive to Tackle ‘Ghost Voters,’ TMC Launches House-to-House Survey
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 3, 2025, Kolkata : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a vigorous campaign to combat what she termed as “ghost voters” ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. The initiative was prompted by Banerjee’s recent allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is manipulating voter lists with the help of the Election Commission of India (ECI), particularly in districts across the state. Banerjee accused the BJP of enrolling non-local individuals as voters by exploiting data entry operators working for the ECI. The Chief Minister claimed that agencies such as the “Association of Brilliant Minds” and “India 360” were involved in these manipulations.
Trinamool Social Media Coordinator and General Secretary Extends Ramadan Greetings and Best Wishes to Higher Secondary Candidates
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 3, 2025, Hooghly : Abhishek Gupta, the Social Media State Coordinator for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and General Secretary of the “India’s Hridoye Mamata” Social Media platform, has extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to both the Muslim community celebrating the holy month of Ramadan and the candidates sitting for their Higher Secondary exams.
Vikas Bhattacharya Criticizes Election Commission’s Response on Voter Card Issues, Trinamool Cheers on Scrutiny Efforts
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 3, 2025, Kolkata : A sharp exchange over the credibility of voter identification cards has emerged as senior CPI(M) leader Vikas Ranjan Bhattacharya criticized the Election Commission’s response to concerns surrounding multiple voter cards with the same EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) number. Bhattacharya, in his latest remarks, questioned the Election Commission’s defense, stating that having the same EPIC number across different names does not indicate voter fraud, especially when polling stations and assembly constituencies differ. His comments were made in light of complaints about fake voter cards and multiple identities linked to one EPIC number, which led the Election Commission to issue a clarification.
NABARD Sets Rs. 3.80 Lakh Crore Credit Target for West Bengal’s Priority Sectors in 2025-26
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, March 1, 2025, Kolkata : The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has set an ambitious credit target of Rs. 3.80 lakh crore for priority sector lending in West Bengal for the financial year 2025-26, marking a 20.63% increase over the previous year. This announcement was made by Shri P.K. Bhardwaj, Chief General Manager of NABARD, during the State Credit Seminar held on 28th February 2025 at Hotel Lalit Great Eastern.
NABARD prepares the Potential Linked Credit Plans (PLPs) for each district annually, using a consultative approach aimed at facilitating the distribution of credit for priority sector activities. These plans assess factors such as resource availability, credit deployment trends, infrastructure needs, market opportunities, and government policies to determine the potential for priority sector lending by banks. The district-specific potentials are compiled into the State Focus Paper (SFP), which is used to highlight sectoral credit opportunities, infrastructure gaps, support linkages, and critical policy issues that require intervention from stakeholders to ensure sustainable socio-economic development.
The State Focus Paper for FY 2025-26 was unveiled at the seminar by Shri Prabhat Kumar Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department, Government of West Bengal. Other key attendees included Shri Onkar Singh Meena, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, along with officials from various government bodies, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), State Bank of India (SBI), and other financial institutions. Senior officials from the state government, zonal and regional heads of commercial banks, and lead district managers participated in the seminar virtually.
During the seminar, Shri Bhardwaj shared that the Rs. 3.80 lakh crore credit potential for the state in the coming year includes a significant focus on agriculture. The agriculture sector, including agri-infrastructure and ancillary activities, accounts for 33.42% of the total credit target, amounting to Rs. 1.27 lakh crore. He emphasized the unique agricultural challenges in West Bengal and stressed the importance of initiatives in areas such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), climate resilience, and the processing and marketing of agricultural products. He further called for sufficient credit allocation and collaboration among stakeholders to foster accelerated development.
Shri Balbir Singh, General Manager of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), acknowledged NABARD’s extensive research and studies in agriculture, pointing out the state’s immense export potential. He underscored the need to exceed annual credit targets for the upcoming fiscal year. Shri Satyendra Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager of SBI, also stressed the importance of crop diversification and the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Smt. Mary L. N. C. Guite, Chief General Manager of RBI, lauded NABARD’s efforts in publishing the State Focus Paper, highlighting the need for financial literacy and addressing the gender gap in the sector. She emphasized the necessity for cooperation between NABARD and RBI to unlock the state’s potential. Shri Onkar Singh Meena, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, GoWB, praised the state’s agricultural credit disbursements, which reached Rs. 75,000 crore and are expected to exceed Rs. 1 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. He called for a market-demand-based strategy and the diversification of crops, particularly focusing on pulses, maize, and oilseeds. He also urged banks to prioritize long-term agricultural financing, particularly for infrastructure such as cold storage, rice mills, and processing facilities.
In his keynote address, Shri Prabhat Kumar Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance, GoWB, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among NABARD, the state government, and other stakeholders to address challenges at the ground level. He highlighted the importance of sustainable development initiatives in response to climate change impacts and suggested focusing on the state’s fisheries sector, which holds significant export potential. He also praised the success of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), initiated by NABARD, and suggested scaling up such initiatives.
The seminar also featured the unveiling of a study on the betel vine value chain analysis and success stories from projects funded under the Tribal Development Fund (TDF). Additionally, documentaries on Rural Infrastructure Promotion Fund (RIPF) and TDF projects were released during the event.
West Bengal is home to nearly 90 lakh MSME units, the second-largest number in the country, which play a vital role in the state’s economy. The MSME sector holds a credit potential of Rs. 2.00 lakh crore, representing 52.63% of the total credit potential for 2025-26. Additionally, Rs. 0.53 lakh crore is earmarked for other priority sector activities, including housing, education, social infrastructure, export credit, renewable energy, and loans for SHGs and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs).
The credit projections for the coming year align with both central and state government priorities to accelerate and sustain agricultural growth, improve farmers’ incomes, and support MSMEs. The targeted approach also focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, fostering food and agro-processing activities, and strengthening informal credit delivery systems such as SHGs and JLGs, contributing to holistic and inclusive growth across the state.