The Centre is keen to support the development of West Bengal's tea and textile sectors, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Thursday, citing his recent discussions with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Adhikari said the Union government is interested in investing in these two key industries and wants to help address challenges faced by tea garden workers and traditional weaver communities in the state. Speaking at the inauguration of the fourth Kolkata Couture Expo in Kolkata, Adhikari said he met Sitharaman during his visit to Delhi on July 4.
He said discussions during the meeting focused on the financial condition of West Bengal, along with opportunities to strengthen important sectors of the state's economy. According to Adhikari, the finance minister expressed particular interest in supporting the tea and textile industries. Adhikari said the tea sector requires focused attention, especially for workers associated with closed tea gardens. He pointed out that at least 25 tea gardens in the state are currently shut, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on the industry.
He said efforts should be made to revive the sector and provide better support to tea garden workers. "The tea sector is one area where we should do something for tea garden workers," Adhikari said while sharing details of his conversation with Sitharaman. He added that improving the condition of the tea industry would not only help workers but also strengthen an important economic sector of West Bengal, which has a long history of tea production. The chief minister also highlighted the importance of the textile sector and spoke about the potential of traditional weaving communities in the state.
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He referred to his visits to Purbasthali in East Burdwan and Shantipur in Nadia ahead of the state Assembly elections, where he interacted with several families involved in weaving. Adhikari said the products made by these communities are of high quality and deserve greater support and market opportunities. The remarks came while inaugurating the Kolkata Couture Expo, a two-day event aimed at promoting fashion, textiles, and related industries. Organisers expect the exhibition to generate business opportunities worth around ₹1,000 crore.
The event brings together designers, manufacturers, traders, and other stakeholders from the fashion and textile sectors. West Bengal has traditionally been known for its tea plantations and handloom industries, which provide employment to a large number of people. The tea industry, particularly in regions such as North Bengal, has faced challenges including financial difficulties, closure of gardens, and concerns over worker welfare. Meanwhile, handloom clusters in areas such as Shantipur continue to seek greater investment, technology support, and wider market access.
Adhikari's comments underline the focus on industrial development and employment generation in the state ahead of the upcoming political challenges. The proposed support from the Centre, if implemented, could provide opportunities for modernisation and revival of these sectors. However, detailed plans regarding investment, funding mechanisms, and specific projects are yet to be announced by the government. The development of tea and textile industries remains significant for West Bengal's economy, with both sectors carrying historical, cultural, and employment value. Any new initiatives aimed at strengthening these industries are expected to be closely watched by workers, businesses, and local communities across the state.
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