LF partners agree to acquire agricultural land for industry

Kolkata, May 29 (UNI) The Left Front partners today agreed in principle on the acquisition of agricultural land for setting up of industries and the compensation package proposed by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee for the displaced farmers.

The compensation package would be placed for approval at the first cabinet meeting of the seventh Left Front Government on May 31.

''Industry cannot be set up in the sky and land is needed,'' the Left Front Committee Chairman told reporters after a meeting of partners.

He said the Front constituents unanimously accepted the compensation package for farmers put up by the Chief Minister, which envisaged a 30 per cent hike in price over the market rate besides interest and bonus.

The meeting decided that adequate compensation and dwellings for rehabilitation would be given to those losing residential plots besides agricultural land while alternative employment scope would be offered to marginal farmers.

However, confusion remained as to whether the Government would go for acquiring multi-crop land, an issue that kicked up stormy debates both within and outside the ruling Left Front in recent times.

In reply to a question on the proposed acquisition of 1,000 hectare of land for industries, Mr Basu said a sizable quantity of multi-crops land had already changed hands and farmers were no more the owners.

''Even if the Government wants those plots it would have to buy them from the present owners, who include hoteliers and builders.

Our party has inquired and found that farmers have sold out the multi-crop land adjoining the Durgapur Expressway,'' he said.

The CPI(M) leader said the state government had drawn an elaborate plant for celebrations of its 30th anniversary starting from June 21 through various programmes. The Government would also bring out a souvenir on this occasion.

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