Bardhan calls for transparency in Bengal land acquisition

Kolkata, Jan 6 (UNI) CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan today called for maintaining total transparency on future land acquisition in the state to protect the Left unity.

''Singur is one of the lessons that one should learn...whatever steps are taken for land acquisition should be completely transparent--through discussions among the Left partners. The precious Left unity can be maintained through mutual confidence and transparency,'' he told reporters at the end of the party's three-day National Council meeting.

Observing that ''it was unfortunate'' that the West Bengal Government did not apprise the coalition partners of the details on the Tata Motors' small car project in Singur, the CPI general secretary said the party had already made it clear that all details on the proposed land acquisition and the SEZs to be set up in Nandigram in East Midnapore district should be discussed among the coalition partners.

Mr Bardhan said discussions would help all Left partners to help implement the industrial projects and if necessary, also bring in changes to the plan.

In reply to a question whether the party would demand the Singur issue to be reviewed, he, however, said, ''there is nothing to undo in Singur now when the land has been acquired, some people have given consent letter and compensation has been paid.

''But please let us know at what rate Tatas are getting land from the government when the plots have been acquired from owners at prices between Rs nine and 12 lakhs per acre,'' he said.

Asked to comment on the government's refusal to divulge details on the Tata project on the ground of 'trade secret', Mr Bardahn shot back, ''we do not accept the reason of trade secret. What is there after the agreement is signed? It must be made public,'' he said.

While the party's National Council demanded an immediate halt to the process of land acquisition for SEZs in the country, the general secretary, however, defended the West Bengal Government saying unlike the practice elsewhere in the country it had already made public its policy to keep 50 per cent SEZs land for the project, 25 per cent for ancillary units and the rest for infrastructure. In Singur the government was also handing over the acquired land to the Tatas on the basis of lease, he pointed out.

Mr Bardhan said on the issue of SEZ there was no difference among the Left parties.

UNI