WB hikes Singur land compensation by minimum 50%

With limitations on the area of land it can return to farmers, the West Bengal government today offered greater financial assistance to those affected by Tata Motors car project in Singur to buy peace.     

The state had yesterday made it clear that it would not be able to return more than 70 acres of land to farmers, although the opposition Trinamool Congress has been demanding that 300 acres be given back.     

In a public announcement, the state offered 50 per cent more compensation to those who had sold their land to enable them buy agricultural land elsewhere.     

"The benefit is... 50 per cent of land price determined by the land acquisition (LA) collector at the time of land acquisition," the government said.     

Besides, those affected by the project would be eligible for 300 days wages at National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) rate, subject to verification of residence status.     

The government would also arrange for training and would endeavour to provide direct or indirect employment for one person per project-affected family having no regular job or income and would carry out various community development schemes in the project affected villages, it added.     

The government of West Bengal had acquired 997.11 acres of land in Singur for the purpose of setting up of an integrated small car project comprising of a mother plant and its component manufacturers and ancillaries.     

With talks over return of land to end protest against the project collapsing yesterday, TC chief Mamata Banerjee has called for a march to Singur on September 16 and would announce revival of the agitation against the project on September 19.