FM Sitharaman, West Bengal CM Adhikari discuss credit expansion, central scheme rollout in state

West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari today met Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and discussed credit availability in the state for various sectors and implementation of various central government schemes.

Economic thrust in West Bengal has been one of key focus areas of the BJP government in the state after landslide victory in the state. 

"Union minister for finance and corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman met Suvendu Adhikari, chief minister of West Bengal, in New Delhi today," said a release from the ministry of finance.

"The issue of credit availability in the State across various sectors and the implementation of Central government schemes were discussed," the release said. 

FM said during the meeting that saturation drive for flagship central schemes will be taken up in the state. "In close coordination with the State Government, a renewed saturation drive of flagship schemes such as Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana and PM SVANidhi will be undertaken to cover every eligible beneficiary under these schemes," FM Sitharaman said. 

Adikhari requested the FM to help facilitate a meeting of West Bengal industries spanning regions with public sector banks.

"Roundtable meetings will be held in all regions of West Bengal with PSBs and leading industry bodies and MSME associations to expand credit availability. The objective would be to help the state contribute to India's growth journey in industrial development, expanding entrepreneurial opportunities, and employment generation," FM Sitharaman said as per the release.

According to the ministry, Sitharaman assured support for the processing of eligible proposals from West Bengal under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme (SASCI) to strengthen capital infrastructure across the State.

She urged the state government to expedite the implementation of reforms identified under the reform-linked component of the SASCI Scheme.