This refers to the news report “Land largesse for corp universities” (November 18). How can one equate the controversial acquisition of 6,892 acres of land by the Vedanta Group to the 100 acre acquisition by Infosys Technology Ltd for its training centre? Infosys has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Karnataka. The benefits of the world-class training facility in Mysore need no emphasis. Considering the enormous benefits, the subsidised land becomes a relatively minor issue. Moreover, the government that allots land for educational purpose can put a clause in the land allotment agreement providing for the return of unused land after, say, 25 years of the original allotment. Also, it would be difficult to acquire land adjacent to a project site once such a project becomes successful. Therefore, it is necessary to keep this in mind while deciding the area of the land required before the construction of a project begins.
Narendra M Apte, Pune
