West Bengal- Challenges and path to restoration.

By Padmaraj Vasudev Nair: Mumbai- 22nd February-2025. 19.37Hrs.

West Bengal, a state of immense cultural heritage and strategic importance, has struggled to realize its full potential in the seven decades since India's independence. Poor governance, political mismanagement, and a lack of visionary leadership have left the state grappling with a host of challenges. Issues such as corruption, political violence, crimes against women, and demographic shifts due to unchecked migration have created social fissures and eroded the state's once-celebrated cultural values.

The state, which was once a beacon of intellectual and cultural excellence, has seen its glory diminish as political ideology wars took centre stage, overshadowing development and progress. Here’s an analysis of West Bengal’s current political and developmental challenges, which must be addressed urgently to restore its lost prestige and position as a key contributor to India’s growth story.

Political Challenges

1. Political Violence: According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), West Bengal has consistently reported a high number of political violence cases. For instance, in 2021, the state recorded 1,227 cases of political violence, the highest in the country.

2. Central-State Tensions: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighted that West Bengal had a low utilization rate of central funds (around 60%) for key schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Swachh Bharat Mission due to delays in implementation.

Economic Challenges

1. Decline of Traditional Industries: The jute industry, once a cornerstone of West Bengal's economy, has seen a decline. The state’s jute production fell from 1.5 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 1.2 million tonnes in 2020-21, as per the Ministry of Textiles.

2. Limited Private Investment: According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), West Bengal attracted only ₹1,200 crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2022-23, significantly lower than states like Maharashtra (₹1.2 lakh crore) and Gujarat (₹75,000 crore).

3. Agricultural Stagnation: The Agricultural Census 2015-16 revealed that 85% of landholdings in West Bengal are small or marginal (less than 2 hectares), leading to low productivity. The state’s agricultural growth rate has stagnated at around 2.5%, below the national average of 3.5%.

Infrastructure Deficits

1. Urban Congestion: Kolkata, the state capital, ranks 7th in the World Urbanization Prospects Report for population density, with 24,000 people per square kilometer. The city’s public transportation system, though extensive, is overburdened, with daily ridership exceeding 4 million.

2. Rural Infrastructure Gaps: The NITI Aayog report (2021) highlighted that only 65% of rural households in West Bengal have access to piped water, compared to the national average of 85%.

3.Disaster Management: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that West Bengal faced 5 major cyclones between 2019 and 2023, causing damages worth ₹15,000 crore. However, the state’s disaster management budget remains underfunded, with only ₹500 crore allocated in 2023-24.

Social and Human Development Challenges

1. Unemployment and Migration: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022-23 reported that West Bengal’s unemployment rate stands at 6.7%, higher than the national average of 5.8%. The state also witnesses out-migration of 1.5 million people annually, primarily to states like Maharashtra and Delhi.

2. Decline in Education and Healthcare: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) revealed that only 45% of children in West Bengal complete secondary education and 35% of rural households lack access to basic healthcare facilities.

3. Communal and Social Tensions: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported 120 incidents of communal violence in West Bengal in 2022, the second-highest in the country after Uttar Pradesh.

Environmental Concerns

1. Vulnerability of the Sundarbans: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that rising sea levels could submerge 15-20% of the Sundarbans by 2050, displacing 4.5 million people and threatening the habitat of the Bengal tiger.

2. Pollution: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) identified the Hooghly River as one of the most polluted rivers in India, with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels exceeding10 mg/L in 2023. Kolkata’s air quality index (AQI) frequently crosses 300, categorizing it as "very poor."

Opportunities for Transformation

1. Industrial Revival: The West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) has identified IT and biotechnology as key growth sectors, with ₹5,000 crore allocated for IT parks and biotech hubs in 2024-25.

2. Infrastructure Development: The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has sanctioned ₹2,000 crore for rural road construction in West Bengal, aiming to connect 1,500 villages by 2025.

3. Skill Development and Employment: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) plans to train 1 million youth in West Bengal by 2025, focusing on sectors like IT, healthcare, and renewable energy.

4. Sustainable Development: The West Bengal Climate Change Action Plan aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, with a focus on renewable energy projects like solar parks and wind farms.

West Bengal’s challenges are significant, but the state’s potential for transformation is equally immense. By addressing political instability, reviving industries, improving infrastructure, and investing in human development, the state can reclaim its position as a key contributor to India’s growth story. Collaborative efforts between the state and central governments, along with private sector participation, will be crucial in achieving this vision. 

By Padmaraj Nair
Media Specialist.
Former Journalist-Indian Express.
Jury Member- Indian and International Film Festivals.
Director- Bignite Sports & Entertainment Pvt Lts, Political Analysis and Research Committee.