Govt may delay bill to take over BMIC

The proposed Karnataka Streamlining and Infrastructure Development, Land Utilisation and Reforms Bill 2006, aimed at taking over the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project, has become a bone of contention between the coalition partners in the state government with the BJP pressing for a 'go slow' approach.

The issue had come up for discussion in the cabinet on Sunday and the bill is expected to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly during the ensuing session on Tuesday. However, now, it is learnt that the bill may be tabled during the extended session of the state budget, commencing on June 16.

According to sources, the BJP ministers were unhappy with the JD(S)' move to nationalise the project. Recently the Supreme Court had rapped the state government for coming in the way of the BMIC. It had even ordered the government to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), the promoters of the BMIC.

Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and his deputy B S Yediyurappa on Monday discussed the matter with former prime minister H D Deve Gowda who had a long running feud with the BMIC promoters.

Sources pointed out that Yediyurappa had made it clear to Gowda that the government had to examine the legal implications before introducing the bill.

It is learnt that the government can make provision in the Bill for taking over the excess land (2,450 acres) allotted to the NICE. As per the original framework agreement, the BMIC was given 20,190 acres land for the road construction. An additional 2,540 acres was allotted to the BMIC for satellite towns. The JD(S) is against the allotment of the additional land.

"The government might attract contempt of the Supreme Court if it plans to nationalise the BMIC project. It can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, the government will ask NICE not to press for the additional 2,450 acres land. If NICE does not relent, the government will look into the legal implications and work out the provisions of the Bill before June 16," the sources added.

Karnataka is reportedly taking shelter under a Supreme Court verdict which upheld state legislature's powers to enact law even to terminate contractual obligations entered with others in the interest of the general public.