Mamata's gift to Singur farmers

CM announces monthly aid of Rs 1,000 to unwilling farmers as compensation

On the eve of the first anniversary of the Trinamool Congress-led government in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the inability to return land to the unwilling farmers of Singur was her "only dissatisfaction" and announced a monthly aid of Rs 1,000 as compensation.

“These people have been fighting for their land for long. Though we took back the land, I could not return the 400 acres since the matter is subjudice. I announce Rs 1,000 as monthly aid to the them till the court verdict comes,” Banerjee said after inaugurating the “Pragati Utsav”, a week-long function to celebrate completion of her first year in government.

She clarified only those “who did not receive the cheque for compensation” will be eligible for this monthly scheme.

The hearing of the arguments on the appeal filed by Tata Motors challenging the Singur Land Development and Rehabilitation Act concluded last month. The bench of Calcutta High Court, headed by judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose, has received the written notes of arguments from counsels of all parties. The verdict is expected to come in June, when the court resumes after summer vacation.

After assuming office, one of Banrjee's first moves was to introduce the Singur Land Development and Rehabilitation Act to take over the land at Singur from the possession of Tata Motors. The state intended to return a portion of the land to the unwilling farmers. Tata Motors moved the high court challenging the Act as unconstitutional.

In September 2011, judge I P Mukherji of the Calcutta High Court held the Singur Act constitutional. But, the Tata Group company and several vendors of the proposed Nano car project moved the division bench challenging the verdict of the single bench.