West Bengal to take care of land losers

Kolkata (PTI): Relieved at the Calcutta High Court order declaring its land acquisition at Singur legal, the West Bengal government on Friday said it would strengthen its industrial drive and also take care of those whose land will be acquired.

"This (court order) will definitely strengthen the industrial drive in the state and also help all-round development of Singur and adjoining areas," West Bengal's Commerce and Industry Minister Nirupam Sen told reporters.

Asked if the court order removed all obstacles, Sen said "there is provision of appealing to the Supreme Court, but I don't think there will be any opposition to the High Court order".

Sen reiterated Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's assurance that the state government would take responsibility of those whose land would be acquired for industry.

"I request those, who have not taken compensation for their land, to take it immediately and join hands with the state government for alternative livelihood," Sen said.

He hoped that the people of Singur as well as political parties would cooperate with the state government.