Gandhinagar, 6 March 2013

Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel reacting sharply to allegations made by opposition party today said unlike the past governments that allotted land to industries for five-ten paise per square meter, the present government has given land to industries at rates up to Rs 1500 per square meter.

“During 1980-90 in Congress regime, 93% of total land allocated to industry was Gauchar land. This figure has come down to just 4.97% during the 11-year period of present government, that has also charged 30% additional fund from these companies,” she said.

Sharing more details on this, the minister further said, “During the period of 1985-90, in ten cases the land was given for just 5-20 paise, during 1991-95 in 18 cases the land was allotted for less than Re. 1. During 1996-2000 in 10 cases the land was given for less than Re. 1. During 2001-12 the government has only in two cases allotted the land for less than Re 1. The Present government has given land to industries for rates as high as Rs 1500.”

In an attack on opposition party, Anandiben said, “on 15 April 1997, then government had ordered to give 300 acre land to one industrial house, when the original file was for allotment of 150 acre land for Re 1 per square meter. Before giving additional 175 acre land to Adani port – the company that had already received 325 acre land earlier – some terms and conditioned were to be fulfilled, but the leader who sits in opposition today had at that time taken a decision and given direction in writing to allocate land at whatever price the town planner decides.”