Industrial Policy: Maha govt rapped for pro-builder tilt

Oppn, NGOs join hands, allege land-grabbing by developers will impact farmers and villagers

Opposition parties and NGOs have joined hands with the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to lead a scathing attack against the Maharashtra government for its new industrial policy cleared by the state cabinet on Wednesday. Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena alleged that the policy has been cleared under the influence of the Congress party's high command in Delhi. They termed it as a housing, and not industrial policy, which aims to benefit builders and developers at the cost of interests of farmers and villagers.

At the same time, the Action Committee against Globalisation, which is engaged in taking up issues faced by displaced and project affected persons during land acquisition, alleged that the state government's new industrial policy was purely a "land grabbing policy" to serve the interests of the realty players.

Curiously, the Congress' co-partner NCP at yesterday's cabinet meeting opposed the policy proposals especially of converting special economic zones (SEZs) into integrated industrial areas and townships, wherein 60 per cent land would be used for industrial purpose, 30 per cent for residential and 10 per cent for commercial purpose. NCP claimed big developers would exploit the opportunity to grab lands at throwaway prices under the pretext of industrialisation.

However, Congress has defended the new industrial policy. Industries minister Narayan Rane said the policy would definitely help Maharashtra to retain its pre-eminent position in attracting investments.

Vindo Tawade, leader of opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council dubbed the policy as housing policy. He told Business Standard, "In fact, it is merely a political statement to make money and not a policy. This is aimed at mobilising massive funds ahead of 2014 assembly and parliamentary elections. We will certainly oppose it." Tawade was clearly displeased with the state government for not taking various stakeholders into confidence before the policy was approved by the state cabinet.

Tawade's views were shared by Subhash Desai, Shiv Sena's group leader in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. He said, "It seems that the policy by the Congress-led industries department was under the Delhi's influence. It will benefit industrialists and builders as 40 per cent land will be thrown open for residential and commercial purposes."

Bala Nandgaonkar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's group leader in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly also alleged that the policy has been approved under Delhi's pressure. "It is a housing policy and not industrial policy which will benefit industrialists and builders and developers and not villagers and farmers whose lands have been acquired at low prices"

Ulka Mahajan, convenor, Action Committee against Globalisation said the committee has been consistent in its views that the land acquired under the garb of industrialization were ultimately converted into townships and realty development. "This is a grand ploy to grab lands under the development of integrated industrial areas. "We will step up our agitation against the new industrial policy. More people will be displaced due to land grabbing compared to the government's promise of employment generation for two million in next five years," she alleged.