Talk to farmers: Dhoot

Kolkata, Sept. 1: It is the responsibility of the Tatas to step in and settle the matter with farmers directly at Singur, Videocon Group chairman, Mr Venugopal Dhoot, said on Monday.

He was also ready to meet Mr Ratan Tata provided he can secure an appointment in a week’s time, Mr Dhoot said after a meeting with the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Mr Dhoot also pointed out that West Bengal is not dependent on any specific project as its GDP has been growing and investors are coming after looking at its potential.

He said that the Rs 15,000 crore steel and power project of his group in the state is on track despite the Singur controversy.

"Our projects in Bengal are very much on track and there is no hurdle," Mr Dhoot told reporters after meeting the Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Asked about rumours that the Chief Minister was holding talks with key investors on the Singur controversy, Mr Dhoot said, "The CM calls me every three months to know the progress."

"We are holding direct talks with land owners and farmers and that is much more effective than government acquisition," Mr Dhoot said when asked what he felt about the Tata Motor’s Nano car project at Singur facing hurdles owing to the agitations.

The Videocon group was hopeful of land acquisition with its compensation package which includes land price, job assurance and equity in the project.

Asked about progress of projects, Mr Dhoot said, the company has acquired 400 acre of some 3500-4,000 acre required for the 3-million tonne steel plant and 1,200 MW power project near Asansol.

"We will takeover the entire land requirement by end of this year." Mr Dhoot added. — PTI, Reuters