Calcutta, May 28: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to set up a special cell for non-resident Indians keen to contribute to Bengal’s growth.

In a video-conference with NRIs in New Jersey aired on STAR Ananda today, Mamata said: “We have decided to set up an NRI cell to facilitate those who want to come back to West Bengal. The cell will be in place in the next one or two months. It is our dream to make Bengal the investment destination. Many of us are staying abroad. We plan to get everybody back.” The cell would be set up under finance minister Amit Mitra.

“Those who want to invest in Bengal can submit their proposals to the cell. Those who are looking for opportunities here can make enquiries. The plans submitted will be reviewed every week,” the chief minister said, adding government officials would get back to people whose projects got approved.

Investment opportunity was the most frequently asked question for Bengal’s new chief minister from the NRIs in the US and Canada.

“All of you please come to Bengal. Try and convince others to come to Bengal. This is our sweet home. Come back to our sweet home,” Mamata said from her office at Writers’ Buildings. The chief minister promised that labour would not pose problems. “If the needs of the workers are met, why should they go for strike? Factories will have to run. The workers must also realise that their lives depend on the factory. Unnecessary trade unionism will not be allowed. But the real problems faced by the workers will have to be addressed,” she said.

She blamed the 34 years of Left rule for Bengal’s sorry plight in investment and industry. “Irresponsible acts have destroyed everything in Bengal,” she said.

The chief minister was hopeful that the situation would improve in a year. “It is our fault that people had to leave Bengal. Give me a year’s time. In the next one year we would have covered a lot of distance,” she said.

During her election campaign, Mamata had repeatedly said she wanted to bring back people who have migrated from Bengal.

Mamata made it clear that improving work culture and restoring faith in the state administration were at the top of her agenda.

“The employees have promised to co-operate. Still, there are a few who are creating trouble. Those who don’t want to work can take a break. Don’t try to disrupt others from working. There will be no compromise on restoring work culture,” she said.