6,688 Companies Relocate from West Bengal: A Wake-Up Call for the State’s Economy?
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs revealed that 6,688 companies relocated their registered offices from West Bengal to other Indian states between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2025.
The Ministry stated that these companies moved their bases to states such as Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat over the past 14 years.
- 1,308 companies shifted to Maharashtra
- 1,297 moved to Delhi
- 879 chose Uttar Pradesh
- 511 relocated to Chhattisgarh
- 423 moved to Gujarat
Political Reactions
The disclosure sparked sharp criticism from BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya, who accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of failing to create a business-friendly environment. “6,688 Companies Left West Bengal in the Last 14 Years!” Malviya posted on X (formerly Twitter), referring to the period under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
He further noted that 110 of these firms were listed on the stock exchange at the time of their relocation, underscoring the gravity of the exodus.
Calling it a “mass exodus”, Malviya alleged: “While Bengal once stood as a hub for enterprise, poor governance, policy instability, and lack of investor confidence have driven companies away.”
The Numbers Behind the Exodus
Malviya shared a year-wise breakdown highlighting the period when the largest number of companies exited the state:
- 2015–16: 869 companies relocated
- 2016–17: 918 companies left
- 2017–18: A peak of 1,027 companies moved out
In addition to Maharashtra and Delhi, states such as Rajasthan, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana also attracted hundreds of companies during this period.
The Bigger Question: Why Did They Leave?
This revelation raises critical questions:
- Why did so many companies choose to leave West Bengal?
- What systemic issues pushed them away?
- And more importantly, what can be done to restore the state’s economy to its former glory?
As West Bengal grapples with these concerns, the answers will determine whether it can reclaim its position as a vibrant hub for business and industry.
