Militant trade unionism and political turmoil are the main factors behind the lack of industry in Bengal.
However, I think the problem is much deeper and needs some analysis.
@promzzz
However, I think the problem is much deeper and needs some analysis.
@promzzz
https://twitter.com/promzzz/status/1331571854109097984
Take for example the problem with Jute.
Jute industry bloomed during the 2nd world war.
But partition had a devastating impact on the industry.
India and Bangladesh( then East Pakistan) became competitors rather than collaborators.
Jute industry bloomed during the 2nd world war.
But partition had a devastating impact on the industry.
India and Bangladesh( then East Pakistan) became competitors rather than collaborators.
At the same time, alternatives to jute became available and with that the demand decreased.
The history of industry in Bengal had 4 phases - 1948-1965, 1966-1976, 1977-1985 and 1985-2000.
Ist phase gave an era of hope and reconstruction.
Durgapur Steel Plant and Durgapur came up as well DVC and diary based industry in Kalyani.
Ist phase gave an era of hope and reconstruction.
Durgapur Steel Plant and Durgapur came up as well DVC and diary based industry in Kalyani.
In 2nd phase, the position began to decline. The introduction of freight equalisation gave a major blow.
Import tarrifs and little promotion of export oriented industries of tea and jute didn't help.
Employment fell and labour unrest began.
Import tarrifs and little promotion of export oriented industries of tea and jute didn't help.
Employment fell and labour unrest began.
Crop failure and inflation happened.
Bengal witnessed food riots and Far Left Naxalite terror.
Flight of capital happened.
Bengal witnessed food riots and Far Left Naxalite terror.
Flight of capital happened.
To summarize, 5 reasons for slowing down of economy given:
Nation-wide economic recession,
Freight equalisation,
Lack of facilities for diversion of industrial base,
Flight of capital and Political turmoil.
Nation-wide economic recession,
Freight equalisation,
Lack of facilities for diversion of industrial base,
Flight of capital and Political turmoil.
3rd phase began with commies coming to power.
The new industrial policy of 1978 gave priority to small and cottage industries and sought to “curtail the stranglehold of big houses, foreign multinational firms in the organised sector".
The new industrial policy of 1978 gave priority to small and cottage industries and sought to “curtail the stranglehold of big houses, foreign multinational firms in the organised sector".
Whatever hope people had in reviving industry, this policy dashed out every glimmer of it.
Failed momentuously.
Failed momentuously.
In 4th phase liberalization of Indian economy happened.
Commies opposed it everywhere.
Decline of industrial output happened.
I guess reviving the industry was less important to the left
as they were deeply suspicious of big business.
Commies opposed it everywhere.
Decline of industrial output happened.
I guess reviving the industry was less important to the left
as they were deeply suspicious of big business.
The lethargic work ethic of Bengal needs to change.
Our aversion to profit and business needs to change if we are to establish ourselves as culture unopposed to free market and capitalism.
#Bengal #WestBengal #Industry #Development #capitalism #Wealth
Our aversion to profit and business needs to change if we are to establish ourselves as culture unopposed to free market and capitalism.
#Bengal #WestBengal #Industry #Development #capitalism #Wealth
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