PTI, MIDNAPORE, APRIL 22, 2025 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday inaugurated a series of development projects worth Rs 1,850 crore and laid the foundation stone for schemes amounting to nearly Rs 393 crore at an event in Paschim Medinipur district.
The event took place at the Midnapore College and Collegiate School Ground. The key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the 112.5 MW solar power plant, one of the largest in eastern India. Built for Rs 750 crore over 430 acres of land, the plant has the potential to expand by another 100 MW in the future.
“The solar project has received 80 per cent financial support from Germany, with the state government contributing the remaining 20 per cent,” Mamata said.
The plant is part of a broader green energy initiative, with over 500 acres of additional land out of 950 acres allotted for the project, which can further expand the solar plant’s capacity. Mamata added that the state government is contemplating nearly 3,000 MW of additional green energy capacity, including a 1,000 MW solar plant in Purulia.
In addition, Mamata distributed financial assistance and toolkits to individuals and institutions involved in fisheries, agriculture, health, and fire services, as part of various government schemes.
“Nearly eight lakh people received direct benefits from state-run social welfare schemes today,” she said.
On the subject of infrastructure, Mamata emphasized the state government’s focus on ground implementation rather than making tall claims. She highlighted the ongoing JSW Energy’s 1,600 MW power project and the Ghatal Master Plan works as examples of progress.
“We have already spent Rs 67,000 crore in the power sector and will invest another Rs 40,000 crore,” she stated.
Mamata also revealed that six economic corridors are being planned, along with industrial investment proposals worth Rs 72,000 crore in the Jangal Mahal region.
“Five big industrial units are coming up which will reshape the state, and many other projects are getting clearances,” she added.
Referring to the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), Mamata said that out of the 19 lakh proposals received over the years, Rs 13 lakh crore worth of investments have already materialized, with the rest in progress.
“This year alone, Rs 16,000 crore worth of investments have been grounded from the 4 lakh proposals received,” she noted, adding that 1,000 small projects have also been cleared.
Highlighting the state’s strides in skill development, Mamata said that West Bengal leads in the skill development sector and that the MSME sector continues to thrive.
The Chief Minister also underscored progress in potable water supply, noting that a Rs 1,200 crore project has provided drinking water to 57 lakh households. She announced that 18 lakh houses are being constructed using state funds.
“Homes destroyed by tornadoes, floods, or violence in Murshidabad will also be rebuilt under our existing scheme,” she added.
Criticizing the Centre for withholding funds under social welfare programmes, Mamata assured the state that it would fulfill its commitments using the state exchequer.
