West Bengal’s proposed new industrial policy has cleared a key procedural step. The state’s Group of Ministers approved the draft on October 3. The draft will now go to the state Cabinet for consideration.

The policy is aimed at attracting fresh investment to the state. Details of the incentives and sector focus will be known after the Cabinet takes it up. The move comes as West Bengal pushes to draw industry.

This week, Reliance Industries proposed a nuclear power project in the state. The project could bring investment of about Rs 2 lakh crore over six to seven years. State government sources said Reliance prefers Haripur in East Midnapore as the site.

The state has suggested Nayachar near Haldia as an alternative. The industrial policy draft is expected to set the framework for such large proposals. West Bengal has been working to improve its investment climate.

The GoM approval signals that the government wants to move quickly. Industry watchers will look for clarity on land, power and single-window clearances. The Cabinet’s decision will decide the final shape of the policy.