A day after Tata Motors managing director, Ravi Kant, expressed concern over continuing problems at Singur, the project site for its Rs 1 lakh car, Nano, the West Bengal government extended an invitation to all political parties for an amicable solution, which could even include increasing compensation.
Addressing a press conference, West Bengal commerce and industry minister, Nirupam Sen said that the state government was willing to discuss the issue with the opposition parties to reach an amicable solution.
Work at the plant was normal today after three days of disturbances.
The state’s land acquisition at Singur had earlier been upheld by Calcutta High Court while an appeal was being heard by the Supreme Court.
When asked whether the government was willing to increase the compensation for land-losers, Sen said, “If they demand we will discuss.” The compensation given to land-losers was Rs 9-12 lakh per acre, depending on the land.
Sen today made it clear that the state government was willing to discuss any solution with the opposition any solution save returning the land.
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Trinamool Congress chief, Mamata Banerjee, today demanded that the 300-350 acres which was disputed should be returned to the land-losers as she felt 650 acres was enough for the project.
Banerjee explained that 645 acres was required for the mother plant and the balance 290 acres for the 55 ancillary units.
Sen said, even if the government wanted it would not be able to return the land under dispute. “These are small parcels of land scattered all over the project site. Then we will have to scrap the project,” he said.
He also cited a Supreme Court directive in another case, which said that land once acquired under the Land Acquisition Act would have to be used for the same purpose.
The state government has already stepped up police force at the project site but Sen called it unfortunate that an industrial project of such a stature was being construction had to be given such heavy security. He also condemned the recent attack on a Shapoorji Pallonji worker.
Responding to Ravi Kant’s statement that the people of West Bengal would have to decide whether they want industrialization, Sen said, the people want the project. “It is vital for our state,” he said.