In the last 14 years, 6,688 companies have shifted their registered offices out of West Bengal, moving to other Indian states. This data, shared by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in the Rajya Sabha, paints a concerning picture of how businesses are choosing to leave the state in large numbers.
Check out the detailed report:
Where Are They Going?
A big chunk of these companies moved to Maharashtra (1,308), Delhi (1,297), and Uttar Pradesh (879). Other popular choices include Chhattisgarh and Gujarat. These shifts suggest that many businesses are looking for places that offer more stable policies and better support.
Even Big, Listed Companies Are Leaving
What’s more worrying is that 110 of these companies were listed on the stock exchange when they left. These aren’t just small players—these are established firms that decided to shift their base. That sends a strong message about how they view the business climate in West Bengal.
Company Name | Previous Base (West Bengal) | Current Base | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Tata Group | Kolkata | Mumbai | Legacy Conglomerate |
Birla Group (Aditya Birla) | Kolkata | Mumbai | Legacy Conglomerate |
ITC Limited | Kolkata (Ops still exist) | Delhi (Corporate HQ) | Listed Company |
Britannia Industries | Kolkata | Bengaluru | Listed Company |
Bata India | Kolkata | Gurugram | Listed Company |
Berger Paints | Kolkata | Delhi | Listed Company |
Exide Industries | Kolkata | Mumbai | Listed Company |
Eveready Industries | Kolkata | Mumbai | Listed Company |
CESC Limited | Kolkata | Mumbai | Listed Company |
RPG Group | Kolkata | Mumbai | Conglomerate |
Hindalco Industries | Kolkata (original roots) | Mumbai | Listed Company |
Coal India Ltd | Kolkata (Ops still exist) | Delhi (HQ shifted) | PSU, Listed |
SAIL | Burnpur/Durgapur | Delhi | PSU, Listed |
Indian Oil Corporation | Haldia (WB refinery ops) | Delhi | PSU, Listed |
Politics and the Peak Exit Years
Reacting to the data, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya called it a “mass exodus”, blaming the state’s leadership for poor governance and policy instability. The highest number of companies exited in 2017–18 (1,027), followed by 918 in 2016–17, and 869 in 2015–16.
It’s Not Just About One State
Apart from Maharashtra and Delhi, states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu also attracted hundreds of companies. This isn’t just about Bengal — it reflects a bigger shift in India’s business map, where companies are choosing states that make it easier to operate and grow.
What’s at Stake for Bengal?
West Bengal has always had a rich history of trade, talent, and enterprise. But these numbers show that something isn’t working for today’s businesses. If this trend continues, it could affect jobs, investment, and overall growth in the region. It might be time for a serious conversation about what needs to change.