By IANS,
Kolkata : Saying there was “limited clarity” on the outcome of the talks between the West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress-led protesters, Tata Motors Monday said it would continue suspension of work at its Nano plant in Singur.
“Tata Motors Ltd is distressed at the limited clarity on the outcome of the discussions between the state government of West Bengal and the representatives of the agitators in Singur,” the company said in a statement.
“In view of the same, Tata Motors is obliged to continue the suspension of construction and commissioning work at the Nano plant,” it added.
The company further said: “We will review our stated position only if we are satisfied that the viability of the project is not being impinged, the integral nature of the mother plant and our ancillary units are being maintained and all stakeholders are committed to develop a long term congenial environment for smooth operations of the plant in Singur.”
Two years ago, Tata Motors started constructing the factory for the world’s cheapest car Nano, priced at Rs.100,000 ($2,500).
Since then, the auto major has faced resistance from farmers, led by the state’s principal opposition party Trinamool Congress, who objected to the acquisition of their farmland.
Tata Motors decided to suspend work at the factory after its workers were threatened by agitators during the recent 15-day long siege at the factory site by the opposition parties demanding the return of 400 acres to farmers.
An accord was reached between the state government and the opposition parties Sunday night after a series of meetings mediated by Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
As per the agreement, the state government will form a committee to look into the demands of the affected farmers, and submit its report in seven days.
Till then, construction the ancillary units will be on hold, Gandhi, accompanied by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, told reporters after the deal was agreed upon.
The agreement said the government “has taken the decision to respond to the demand of those farmers who have not received compensation, by means of land to be provided to the maximum within the project area and the rest in adjacent areas as early as possible.
“Towards this, a committee will be constituted to ascertain the scope and settle the modalities within a period of one week. During this time, the government will urge the vendors not to make any construction,” according to the text of the pact inked by Industries Minister Nirupam Sen and leader of the opposition Partha Chattopadhyay.