The Hindu : National : We cannot stop industrialisation, says Buddhadeb

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Thursday, Oct 04, 2007
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We cannot stop industrialisation, says Buddhadeb

Special Correspondent

Rs. 90,000 cr. investments through 6 projects
“It is madness to start 400 SEZs”

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said his government was trying to formulate a just and clear policy on land acquisition and rehabilitation.

As against the national figure of 17 per cent, just one per cent was fallow land in West Bengal, while 62 per cent was agricultural land and 13 per cent forest land.

“Only 23 per cent is left for urbanisation and industry, the Opposition wants us to stop industrialisation, but we cannot stop.” he said addressing the 120th annual general meeting of the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI).

He sought its help to work out a land acquisition and rehabilitation policy.

The Chief Minister’s statement comes a day ahead of the proposed signing of two memoranda of understanding — one with Videocon Industries and the other with Jai Balaji Industries.

Mr. Bhattacharjee said Rs. 90,000-crore investments would flow into the State through six projects.

He asked the BNCCI to set up a working group to study downstream units for these steel industries and also chemical industries for the proposed hub at Nayachar.

Key issues

On the Centre’s policies, the Chief Minister said that even as finishing touches were being given to the Eleventh Plan, it was important to address some key issues.

“The government is neglecting social sectors such as education and health, which should get sizeable allocations.”

Wondering why wheat was being imported after so many years, he said: “The Planning Commission will have to take up this issue and ensure that the farm sector gets its due.”

Mr. Bhattacharjee reiterated his opposition to the Centre’s policy on special economic zones.

“It was madness to start with 400 SEZs.”

There was also a serious need to discuss the issue of concessions. More small airports were being planned in West Bengal and talks had begun with defence authorities for handing over some airstrips under their control, which would be developed through the private sector.

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