M A I N   N E W S

CM spells out curbs on Reliance
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 18
The project of Reliance Industries Limited for procuring vegetables and milk in Punjab will carry on as scheduled. The Punjab Government has, however, imposed restrictions on changing land use and laid down parameters for lease agreements between RIL and the panchayats concerned besides fixing the rates for the land of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation which is to be given to RIL.

The Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, while addressing the media at a special session on agricultural initiatives, said last night: " It is 100 per cent sure that the RIL project will carry on as per schedule, and the matter is coming up at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers for approval". He was answering a question whether the project could get derailed or delayed in view of the ongoing political controversy.

The Tribune in its edition dated May 8 had broken the story and questioned how land worth crores of rupees was to be handed over to RIL for a song. This had resulted in a sharp divide within the Congress and also the bureaucracy.

The Chief Minister said certain demands were the initial ones made by the Mukesh Ambani-led RIL, and after discussions at the government level, the conditions which had been imposed would be conveyed to the company.

The Chief Minister said no land in Mohali had been transferred to RIL so far. He said RIL would not be able sell the land it was allotted. Any change in land use would attract steep "land conversion charges". These would be given effect on the date when the company, if it did so, applied for a change in land use. The panchayats would give their land on lease for a period of 30 years. Each of the panchayats would pass a resolution and get a rental of Rs 16,000 per acre. Any panchayat could also pass a resolution rejecting the offer. There was in inbuilt clause for an increase in the rental. For 470 acres of the PSIEC, RIL would have to pay the cost of original acquisition, administrative charges, interest and also cost enhancement, if any, ordered by courts.

The farmers would be free to sell their produce to RIL or anybody from whom they got higher rates. There would be no compulsion to sell the produce to RIL. The Chief Minister claimed that there was no dearth of panchaytas wanting to join hands with RIL and added that even MLAs of Opposition parties were keen on having tie-ups in their constituencies.

"We have to give concessions as we are losing out on investment by top companies," the Chief Minister said, quoting examples of how West Bengal and Uttaranchal had weaned the TATA group for automobile projects. Capt Amarinder Singh added: " I cannot tell companies offering to procure agricultural produce to go away as small farmers, who constitute 65 per cent of the farming community, stand to lose if these companies go to adjoining states". Punjab could not have got a better deal, he said, asking: " What is 20 acres in Mohali for Reliance and will it spoil its reputation by selling off the land? " He rejected a suggestion for convening an all- party meeting on the issue, saying that it was not required.

Without naming Mr Jagmeet Brar, who has been in the forefront of the attack against the Punjab Congress, the Chief Minister said: " Those who are opposing the project know nothing about what Reliance has planned to do in Punjab". On seeking action against Mr Brar, the Chief Minister said:" I will meet the party high command and give my views".

The first phase of RIL, to be completed in December this year, will have 2,000 acres for growing 50,000 tonnes of peas, tomatoes, okra, cabbage and melons, among other items. It will procure 1 lakh litres of milk per day from 1,000 villages and have milk supply in Ludhiana and Chandigarh. The RIL plans to source large quantities of vegetables from Punjab for its planned chain of retail stores across India.