In a major policy shift, the West Bengal government has announced sweeping changes to the state’s land acquisition framework, marking a decisive departure from the approach followed over the past decade. The move comes nearly 20 years after the controversial Singur movement, which had reshaped the state’s industrial policy during the tenure of the Left Front government under Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and later influenced the political rise of Mamata Banerjee.
The policy shift was announced on Saturday during the foundation-laying ceremony of a Rs 600-crore manufacturing unit by Lux Cozi in Dankuni. The project is expected to generate around 6,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Addressing industrialists at the event, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the government would no longer leave land acquisition entirely to private players, citing concerns over middlemen and delays. Under the revised approach, the state will directly purchase land and allocate it to industries, a model similar to land allotment for security agencies such as the Border Security Force (BSF).
Officials said the policy aims to streamline acquisition while ensuring fair compensation. Under existing provisions, landowners are entitled to compensation ranging from twice the market value in urban areas to up to four times in rural regions, along with rehabilitation benefits.
In another significant move, the government has proposed scrapping the Urban Land Ceiling Act, which restricts individual land holdings to 7.5 kathas. The law, introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1976, has long been cited as a barrier to large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects in the state. While many states repealed the legislation years ago, it remained in force in West Bengal.
Industry observers believe removing this restriction will enable the creation of larger contiguous land parcels, easing the establishment of industries, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects. To further boost investment, the Chief Minister announced that projects exceeding Rs 100 crore will no longer require multiple approvals from local bodies such as Zilla Parishads, municipalities, or Panchayat Samitis.
Instead, all clearances will be routed through a centralised “single-window system” at the state level. The government said the move is aimed at eliminating bureaucratic delays and preventing alleged harassment at the local level.
The government described the overhaul as a “course correction” designed to revive industrial growth in the state. Political analysts view the rapid policy changes — introduced within two months of the new administration taking office — as a significant attempt to reposition West Bengal as an investment-friendly destination.
Follow us
