No deviation in process of sub-leasing: Tata Steel

Tata Steel today clarified that there has been no "irregularities or deviation" from the process of sub-leasing, as laid down in the lease document signed between the Jharkhand Government and Tata Steel on 20th August, 2005.

"We would like to place on record that there has been no irregularity or deviation from the process of sub-leasing, as laid down in the lease document signed between the Government of Jharkhand and Tata Steel on 20 August 2005," a Tata Steel press statement said here.

"Land lease was a statutory and perpetual lease, to be renewed every 30 years," the statement said adding "that Clause 8 of this lease provided for sub-leasing with a view for further development of town, in interest of the public as well as industries."

The process of sub-leasing was through an \'Appropriate Machinery Committee\' (AMC) which has been set-up vide Clause 8. The AMC comprises 5 members – three from the Government and two from Tata Steel. The Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum is Chairperson of this Committee, it said.

All proposals for sub-lease were received by the company and scrutinized in light of factors, which were relevant for development of the industry and the township. Proposals acceptable by the Company were forwarded to AMC, which recommends those to the state Government after due discussion and diligence. The state government (Revenue department) does its own enquiry before finally approving these sub-leases, the release stated.

"Out of 354 applications received, the Company has recommended 94 of them for sub-lease and 60 sub-leases have received approval from the State Government," it said.

Earlier, the state assembly had to be adjourned twice on Wednesday last after opposition parties including Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) raised the Lease renewal issue and demanded for a CBI probe.