The Hindu Business Line : Buddhadeb justifies land acquisition for Tata project

Occasion to smile: (From left) The Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Mr Santosh Mohan Dev, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and the Ruia Group Chairman, Mr Pawan Kumar Ruia, at the re-opening of the Dunlop factory on Tuesday. -- A. Roy Chowdhury

Sahagunj , Oct. 31

The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, today took on the Opposition, chiefly Trinamul Congress for raising dust over land acquisition for proposed Tata Motors small car manufacturing project at Singur in West Bengal.

Speaking at the re-opening ceremony of Sahagunj facility of Dunlop India here today, Mr Bhattacharjee said that the proposed car manufacturing project would change the face of Singur as well as the State.

"It is a pity that some political parties are coming in the way of industrial development of the State. The project might require acquisition of some agricultural land. However, the economic and social benefit from the project will far outstrip the returns from agriculture. We are also paying much higher compensation package to those affected than in any other State in the country," he said.

Without mentioning names the Chief Minister was also critical of the opposition by some social activist groups to such land acquisition. "It is a democracy and farmers controlling 80 per cent of the land required in Singur have already expressed their interest to handover the land for the project. Should not we follow the verdict of the majority?" he said.

Welcoming the re-opening of Sahagunj facility of Dunlop India, Mr Bhattacharjee recounted his effort to revitalise sick or closed industries in the State and attract fresh investments.

"The wind has finally started blowing in our favour. In the last few years, we have seen turning around of Jessop. The bad days are over in IISCO, which is now on the way to recovery. Today Dunlop India has reopened," Mr Bhattacharjee said.

Appreciating the role of the Central Government, especially the Union Heavy Industries Minister, Mr Santosh Mohan Dev, for lending a helping hand in industrialisation of the State, he said that joint efforts were on for reopening of closed unit of Fertiliser Corporation of India and MAMC in Durgapur.

"In so far as fresh investments are concerned we have attracted the attention of both foreign and domestic investors. West Bengal is the most favoured destination of Japanese investors. IBM has invested in the State. Videocon group is creating three SEZs in Bengal. Jindals have proposed investment in iron and steel in Kharagpur. Petrochem will be the focus area in Haldia," he added.

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