Until a few days back I wasn’t aware that IFB had something to do with late Jyoti Basu. Though he bears the same family name, I don’t have any connections with him. I am certainly aware of a few under carpet secrets that must never be swept. How? During one of my expeditions I met a huge fellow who had quit as one of Jyoti Basu’s body guards. He shared some stories with me upon a few reassurances that I shall never mention his name. People do blurt under the influence of alcohol, however huge one is. He was also trained as a commando so I learnt about a lot of secret sewages and practice tunnels…could only imagine. He could do things none of us could even attempt, though I tried. It had taken him years to get there. We are not here to open the dead man’s trunk any ways but to talk a bit more about IFB.

IFB stands for Indian Fine Blanks (for those who didn’t know and even I didn’t). Initially it started as a manufacturer of tools in collaboration with a Swiss firm in 1974 and later diversified into appliances as well. It was promoted by an Engineer, Mr. Bijon Nag leading us to the most important question: How were Mr. Bijon Nag and Jyoti Basu affiliated?

Mr. Bijon Nag returned from Europe after an education in Engineering and working there for a considerable period of time. He took over as the chairman of the IFB group in 1997, taking the baton over from Mr. Amal Chakraborti.  In 1999 along with Amitabh Bachchan’s ABCL, IFB also featured as one of the largest defaulters in India, owing 9 Crores.  Jyoti Basu also defaulted on 6.28 Crores as the Chairman of Sports and Stadium. ¹

Incidentally Bijon Nag  and Jyoti Basu are relatives as well…their wives are sisters. Nag refused Basu’s multiple requests for setting up operations in West Bengal. He made it clear to his last words that he didn’t want to set up operations just to be mooted by red flags and swept by local movements. He kept himself away from West Bengal and set up operations in Bangalore and Madras. He used a lot of foreign investment with Swiss collaboration and successfully diversified out.

So how did Jyoti Basu’s kin ended up being a successful businessman? Simply by staying away from Bengal. He has been heard saying that he is a thoroughbred businessman and for him everything else is immaterial. IFB raised itself over his foundations in Marketing. This day IFB has innumerable collaborations starting right from ITC to some brewery corporations. Some of their products are exclusive for export. IFB has no irregularities to its name and has been able to stay clean, except ofcourse a bit of poor customer service that I am facing with my Microwave that’s been waiting for a part replacement since the last three weeks. IFB seems to have a strong Customer Service in the South, sitting at Calcutta, but elsewhere the proficiency is questionable. Okhla (Delhi) office definitely is questionable.

I have heard a lot of Bengalis mistrust IFB for the association it has with Jyoti Basu. IFB has tried very hard to keep names away from the corporation. How many people here have heard of IFB but not Bijon Das?…raise your hands… How many thought IFB is a multi-national?…raise your hands…

A strong brand whose image has been managed very well, I personally need to do more research on the successful and indigenous brand IFB. I will share more information as and when it comes.

Reference:

1.       Indian Express, Monday Jan 3, 2000

2.      Basu family sources