West Bengal Chief Minister's Day-Long Siliguri Visit
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is undertaking a significant day-long visit to Siliguri today, on November 10, 2025. The primary focus of her trip is to conduct a first-hand review of the region's recovery efforts following recent floods and landslides. The Chief Minister is expected to assess the damage and the progress of rehabilitation work, engaging with local authorities and communities affected by the natural disasters. She is scheduled to return to the state capital, Kolkata, tomorrow.
Shilper Samadhane: A Major Boost for Bengal's Artisans and MSMEs
In a parallel development of substantial economic importance, the West Bengal government is rolling out its ambitious 'Shilper Samadhane' initiative across all blocks starting today. This extensive program is designed to provide comprehensive support to the state's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and its vast artisan community.
The initiative is scheduled to run from November 10 to November 28, 2025. Its core objective is to empower these vital sectors by addressing common challenges through a multi-pronged approach. The key components of 'Shilper Samadhane' include:
- Easy Access to Capital: The prominent feature is the Bhabishyat Credit Card Scheme, which offers collateral-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh at a highly subsidized interest rate of just 4% per annum.
- Procedural Guidance: Participants will receive expert guidance on various business-related formalities, including assistance with creating project reports, understanding and complying with GST regulations, and completing the Udyam registration process.
- On-the-Spot Solutions: The program aims to resolve operational bottlenecks faced by entrepreneurs and artisans by providing immediate, on-the-ground problem-solving support.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to stimulate growth in the MSME sector by removing financial and procedural hurdles, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for business expansion and job creation.
Weather Update: Dry Spell to Continue Across Bengal
According to the latest forecast from the Meteorological Department, a period of dry weather is set to persist across West Bengal. The department has indicated that all districts in both northern and southern parts of the state will experience no rainfall for the foreseeable future.
Specifically for South Bengal, a slight drop in temperature is anticipated. The mercury is likely to fall by three to four degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours. Following this dip, weather officials predict that temperatures will stabilize and remain consistent for the subsequent three days.
In related civic updates, the traffic police have confirmed that no major diversions are scheduled on the roads for today, ensuring smooth vehicular movement across the state.
