Kolkata, Feb. 1 -- Apart from announcements regarding a dedicated freight corridor and high-speed rail connectivity linking key hubs like Dankuni and Siliguri, the union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman offered few proposals specifically for West Bengal. However, its strong and sustained focus on the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is expected to provide a substantial indirect boost to the state's economy.
West Bengal is among the most MSME-intensive states in the country, and the Centre's renewed focus on nurturing "Champion SMEs" could benefit the state more than many others. Recognising MSMEs as a "vital engine of growth," Sitharaman outlined a three-pronged strategy in her Budget speech aimed a...