Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 23 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday highlighted that a major transformation is happening in West Bengal, stating that the region is witnessing a fresh wave of growth, moving past earlier eras of industrial closures and towards robust investment and expanding job opportunities.
Defence Minister, while attending the bhumi pujan ceremony at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, addressed the media and acknowledged the swift administrative coordination for strategic border security initiatives.
Singh commended regional leadership for resolving long-pending land transfer protocols with exceptional speed.
Emphasising the positive shift and the acceleration of industrial momentum driven by strong intent, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted, "There is a new fragrance in the air of Bengal. This scent is not merely of change; it is the scent of development. It represents a shift towards investment and new opportunities. These five projects stand as proof that when intentions are right, the pace of development cannot be halted. Where news of industries shutting down once came from Bengal, we now hear reports of new industries being established. Since Suvendu Adhikari's arrival, everything here is turning auspicious."
Highlighting the prompt execution of land allocation for security forces under the West Bengal CM, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted that Suvendu Adhikari has played a significant role regarding national security. True to his word, CM Adhikari has facilitated the provision of 11 acres of land to the BSF within just 106 days.
"Bengal has gifted the nation new ideas; it gave us 'Vande Mataram,'" Singh added.
Underscoring the central government's commitment to self-reliance in defence production under the vision of a developed nation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated major infrastructure initiatives by public sector undertakings.
Pointing to the long-term economic vision behind these strategic investments and the historic contributions of the state, Defence Minister stated, "This investment is not just for today but for the future. Foundation stones have been laid for five projects worth approximately ₹3,500 crore. These projects by the Navratna company GRSE represent a major step towards a developed India."
"This land was once considered a hub of the Industrial Revolution. Now, we are once again moving in that direction. The projects being launched here will not only boost defense production but also create employment opportunities," he said.
Connecting current manufacturing milestones to the broader national framework of economic growth, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that "From Lal Qila (Red Fort), the PM spoke of 'Saptadhara' (seven streams of development). The defense sector is one of them; the PM had emphasized self-reliance in this field. Today's projects are steps in that very direction."
Praising the operational excellence and robust track record of indigenous shipbuilders, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for reducing foreign dependence through the construction of hundreds of advanced marine vessels.
Elaborating on the strategic importance of indigenous defense production and the rich heritage of naval manufacturing in the region, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added, "GRSE Shipyard has always been at the forefront of embracing challenges. The INS Dronagiri was also built here. You have constructed over 800 vessels and are working on the agenda of self-reliance. We are rapidly reducing our dependence on foreign sources. Congratulations to GRSE on achieving 'Navratna' status."
"YEL also stands as a pillar of our defense industry. Despite commencing operations in October 2021, the company has consistently achieved financial and regulatory excellence," Rajnath Singh added. (ANI)
"Scent of development": Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hails Bengal's growth push while inaugurating projects for national self-reliance
