June 26: Bharat Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Bharat Chamber Ladies Forum, organised a Special Session on ‘Building the Bengal of Tomorrow: Industry, Innovation and Women’s Leadership’. The Session was graced by Smt. Moumita Biswas Misra, Hon’ble Minister of State for Industries, Commerce and Enterprises and Science, Technology and Biotechnology, Government of West Bengal; and Smt. Shashi Agnihotri, General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party, West Bengal, as Guests of Honour.
In her Address, Smt. Shashi Agnihotri observed that concerted efforts are being made to create a conducive environment in West Bengal for industry, investment and entrepreneurship, while simultaneously working towards improving the standard of living of the people. She expressed confidence that through sustained development initiatives and collective efforts, the State would be able to regain its position as a leader in the country’s economic and social progress, reiterating the belief that “What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.”
Speaking about women and their participation, Smt. Shashi Agnihotri observed that women do not need any special treatment and are absolutely equal to their male counterparts. She stressed that women possess the capability and determination to excel in every field and expressed confidence that their growing participation would contribute significantly to the progress and development of West Bengal. She also added that the 33 per cent Women’s Reservation Bill will be a transformative step towards ensuring greater representation of women in legislative bodies.
Smt. Agnihotri also emphasised the importance of greater youth participation in politics, stating that educated and committed young people are essential for carrying forward the nation’s ideals and shaping its future. She observed that significant aspects of India’s ancient history and civilisational heritage were not being adequately reflected in the curriculum. Reinstating this knowledge, she noted, would help inspire young minds, strengthen their connection with the nation’s roots, and encourage them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
In her Address, Smt. Moumita Biswas Misra observed that the Government is committed to transforming Pashchim Banga into Sonar Pashchim Banga and intends to implement the commitments outlined in the BJP’s Sankalpa Patra. She noted that one of the first decisions taken by the new Government within fifteen days of assuming office was the allotment of land to the Border Security Force for border fencing, describing it as an important step towards strengthening security and curbing illegal infiltration and related activities.
Speaking about the recently presented Budget, the Hon’ble Minister stated that, for the first time since Independence, an effort has been made to address all sectors comprehensively and create a more conducive environment for businesses to establish new units while ensuring that existing enterprises continue to operate efficiently. Inviting investors to consider West Bengal as a preferred investment destination, she highlighted the Government’s emphasis on a single-window clearance mechanism, ease of doing business and women’s safety. Expressing confidence in the State’s future, she remarked that a new West Bengal based on the vision of ‘Bhoy Out, Bhorsha In’ would pave the way for a ‘Sonar Bangla’.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, Shri Naresh Pachisia, President emphasised that the Bengal of tomorrow will be built when industrial growth, technological advancement and women’s leadership become mutually reinforcing pillars of development. Highlighting that West Bengal has the country’s highest share of women-owned MSMEs and a strong base of enterprises across diverse sectors, he underscored the need to transform women from participants in the economy into leaders of economic transformation through greater support for women-led enterprises, start-ups and technology ventures. He further that if industry provides the engine and innovation the fuel, women’s leadership can provide the direction for creating a prosperous, inclusive and globally competitive Bengal.
Smt. Shivani Binjrajka, Co-Chairperson, BHARAT CHAMBER Ladies Forum, observed that the advent of a new Government has ushered in fresh possibilities for West Bengal’s growth and transformation, and emphasised that women must be placed at the forefront of this journey through greater participation, leadership and equal access to opportunities across sectors. She remarked that empowering women is integral to building a resilient, equitable and future-ready ‘Viksit Bangla’, and noted that the insightful perspectives shared by the Guests of Honour reaffirmed the importance of creating an enabling ecosystem where businesses can thrive and women can lead and excel with confidence and determination.