The West Bengal government is holding discussions with the Tata Group to attract new investments to the state, Industry Minister Tapas Roy said on Sunday.
Talks Underway With Tata Group
Roy said the state government is in contact with Tata and is exploring opportunities to bring fresh investments to West Bengal.
The Tata Group already has a presence in the state across sectors such as IT services, metals, hospitality and retail. According to Roy, the government is examining whether the group could expand its existing businesses or establish new units in the state.
Tata Motors Had Left Singur in 2008
Tata Motors had withdrawn its Nano car project from Singur in October 2008 following prolonged protests over land acquisition. The project was subsequently shifted to Sanand in Gujarat.
The agitation against the Singur land acquisition was led by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who was then in the opposition.
State Faces Singur Arbitration Liability
Roy declined to comment on the payment of the arbitration award and interest owed to Tata Motors following the company’s exit from Singur.
An arbitral tribunal in October 2023 awarded Tata Motors ₹765.78 crore along with interest at 11% per annum in connection with the company’s withdrawal from the project.
Roy said the previous TMC government had left the liability with the state government, which now has to deal with the payment.
WBIDC Challenged Arbitration Award
The West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation challenged the arbitration award before the Calcutta High Court in February this year.
Roy did not disclose how the government plans to settle the liability, saying it was not the appropriate time to discuss the matter.
