Karnataka minister defends government's decision to sell land to Jindal Steel company

Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil defended the government's decision to execute lease-cum-sale deed of 3,677 acres of land in Ballari to Jindal Steel Company, asserting that the transaction was in full compliance with the law.

He emphasised that the sale followed a government order issued after a court directive and a subsequent cabinet resolution, leaving no room for any wrongdoing.

Stating that Karnataka faces tough competition in the industrial sector from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, the minister argued that several states are offering free land to industries.

Addressing the press, Patil clarified, "We have not provided any concessions to Jindal. The company paid the market price, and all government regulations were strictly followed. The same rules that apply to over one lakh industries in the state have been applied in Jindal's case as well."

He added that the issue had been unnecessarily dragged on for nearly nine years.

Looking ahead, Patil mentioned that a global investor conference would be held in Bengaluru in six months. He highlighted that Jindal has invested Rs90,000 crore in the state and created 50,000 jobs.

"In such a scenario, no wrong message must be sent to potential investors by the government," he asserted.

Patil further explained that, as per the industrial policy, entrepreneurs provided land by the government are required to utilise at least 51% of it within ten years while keeping their operations running. The sale contract is then executed as per policy, and Jindal has fully complied with these requirements.

"We face stiff competition in the industrial sector from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Many states are offering free land to industries," Patil stated.
He also expressed confusion over why some people in the past opposed the lease-cum-sale of land to Jindal.

Patil clarified that there had been no protests against Jindal by the Congress in the past, noting that earlier objections were raised only against Janardhana Reddy.

In response to a query, he confirmed that no mining activities were taking place on the land that has been decided for sale to Jindal. (ANI)