West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerji said that she is not opposed to the Land Acquisition Bill of the Centre, but asserted that lands of the farmers should not be acquired forcefully.Talking to reporters in New Delhi, She said, in the recent meeting with the industrialists in Kolkata, the issue was discussed in great detail. Ms Banerji said, if there is any urgency for acquiring the land, the concerned party should enter into negotiations with the farmers to give them the reasonable price.She also stressed that forest land should remain with the tribals for its proper development. In reply to a question, she justified the passage of Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Bill, 2011, to help return 400 acres of land to the farmers, whose land was forcibly acquired by the previous Left Front Government. Ms Banerji said, a special package is being prepared for the overall development of the Jungle-mahal area infested by the Maoist violence. She also criticised the erstwhile left rule in the state for politicising administration, education and health sectors.Meanwhile, Ms Banerji met the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh this evening and is understood to have sought an urgent central assistance for the State. Replying to a question on the agenda of the meeting, the Chief Minister said, she is not asking for any special package, but wants sufficient grants to fulfill the basic needs of the people. She will also meet Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahaluwalia tomorrow. Ms Banerji is on her first visit to the National Capital since becoming the Chief Minister.
News On AIR | June 21, 2011 6:52 PM
I am not opposed to Land Acquisition Bill : Mamta