Minister’s push for Misti Hub in north Bengal
The decision came during a meeting at Uttarkanya yesterday following a proposal by an entrepreneur collaborating with local sweet makers.
The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, North Bengal (FOCIN), has sent a pre-budget proposal to state finance minister Amit Mitra on several issues, including an AIIMS-like health facility for this region.
In the letter sent to Mr Mitra, FOCIN general secretary Biswajit Das said: “The people of North Bengal, Sikkim and lower Assam have to travel to other parts of the country to avail of better medical treatment, and since long, we have been demanding an AIIMS, equipped with modern facilities for treatment in this region. FOCIN suggests setting up of an AIIMS in North Bengal for rendering such modern treatment facilities to the people of this region.”
On the other hand, FOCIN has also pointed out that though the Prime Minister has introduced the Pradhanmantri Mudra Yojona, banks are very reluctant to approve Mudra Loans to small entrepreneurs.
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“As such, we suggest taking appropriate steps for this so that small entrepreneurs can get such loans, otherwise the mission of the Yojona will be vitiated,” Mr Das said.
FOCIN has also appreciated the settlement of Disputes Scheme-2018, while the last date for people to avail of the scheme was 31 March this year. “In this respect, we would like to inform you that the effort of this Federation in this direction, along with the support of all our members and members of our constituents and Directorate of Commercial Taxes, Siliguri, makes it possible to attain the 2nd highest position of collection of revenue in West Bengal by the aforesaid scheme,” Mr Das added.
According to him, though employers and employees are contributing their share to the ESI, employees are not getting the dues and proper facilities from the ESI in Siliguri. Focin has particularly pointed this out, and has urged the finance minister to take appropriate steps in this regard, so that employees can get their due treatment facilities, “which is necessary for the greater interest of employers and employees of this region.”
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