Calcutta, June 22: Bengal commerce and industry minister Partha Chatterjee today called for investments to develop the backward districts of Purulia, Bankura, West Midnapore as well as the Sundarbans.

After meeting business heads at a CII meeting, Chatterjee said, “Industry should contribute in their own way in developing these districts. They hold a vast potential that needs to be explored. Proposals in sectors such as tourism, healthcare, education, food processing, infrastructure, information and technology are welcome.”

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had highlighted the need to bring development to these regions, known as the hotbeds of Maoist activities.

Terming the meeting of industrialists with the chief minister last Saturday a success, Chatterjee said, “It was indeed fruitful. Our first priority lies in the proper execution of the decisions we have arrived at.”

On the Singur imbroglio and the tussle between the state government and the Tatas over the ownership of land, he said, “The matter is subjudice. I would not like to comment on it.”

Bikram Dasgupta, chairman and CEO of Globsyn, said, “The government realises the apprehensions in the minds of businessmen here with regard to land. We have been asked to dispel all fears.”

“The government has indeed realised the need for industry. The way things are shaping up, and following repeated meetings with industry bigwigs, the newly elected state leadership has its agenda ready now,” he added.