Economy of West Bengal

Key concepts

How Economy of West Bengal connects to the ideas, people and events around it.

1. Kolkata

   centred on

   Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal and the state's primary financial and commercial centre. In 2023, the city contributed roughly 15% of West Bengal's gross state domestic product.

2. Agriculture in West Bengal

   driven by

   Agriculture employs about 45% of West Bengal's workforce and produces rice, jute, and tea as major crops. The state ranks second in India for rice production, harvesting over 20 million tonnes in 2022.

3. Jute trade

   includes

   West Bengal accounts for roughly 70% of India's jute production, making it a global leader in the sector. The industry generated about ₹12,000 crore in revenue in the fiscal year 2021‑22.

4. IT industry in West Bengal

   includes

   The information technology sector in West Bengal has grown rapidly, with Kolkata and its suburbs hosting over 2,500 IT firms. In 2022, the sector contributed approximately ₹45,000 crore to the state's economy.

5. Coal mining in West Bengal

   supports

   Coal mining, centered in the Raniganj and Jharia coalfields, supplies about 30% of the state's electricity generation. The sector produced 73 million tonnes of coal in 2021, making West Bengal the third-largest coal producer in India.

6. West Bengal's GDP

   measured by

   West Bengal's gross state domestic product was estimated at ₹13.5 lakh crore (about $165 billion) in 2022‑23. The service sector contributed the largest share, followed by industry and agriculture.

7. Mamata Banerjee

   governed by

   Mamata Banerjee has been the Chief Minister of West Bengal since 2011 and heads the state's economic policy. Under her leadership, the state launched the 'West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation' to attract investment.

8. Government of West Bengal

   administered by

   The West Bengal State Government formulates fiscal policies, infrastructure projects, and welfare schemes for the state. Its annual budget for 2023‑24 allocated ₹1.5 lakh crore, emphasizing agriculture and industrial growth.

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