Tata keeps up pressure on state

Wipro undeterred by Singur

Statesman News Service

KOLKATA, Sept. 9: Tata Motors today categorically told the state government that they should be informed of any future agreement on Singur which is “contrary” to what had been agreed upon earlier between them. In a letter to the state industries minister, Mr Nirupam Sen, the Tata Motors MD, Mr Ravi Kant, stated that they had “noted” the clarification by the state government that the integrated nature of the auto cluster with both the mother plant and ancillary units would be maintained. The letter read out by Mr Sen to newsmen stated: “The government should not take any steps to disturb this arrangement.” The Tata Motors MD, Mr Ravi Kant, went on to add: “We would like to be clearly told of any future agreement, understanding and commitment contrary to this arrangement which would result in not honouring those earlier commitments (the agreement between Tata Motors and the state government).” Although prior to the talks, Mr Ratan Tata, in a letter to the Governor, had explained his stand, the company was taken aback by the agreement between the state government and the Opposition which said maximum land would be provided within the project area, forcing them to seek clarifications. Mr Sen had been compelled to clarify yesterday that the project would be kept intact, ruling out any relocation of the ancillary units. On the other hand, the four-member committee, set up to determine the modalities for locating maximum land within the project area and the balance from adjacent areas to be given to the unwilling farmers whose land was acquired without their consent, held its first sitting during the day. Representatives of the Trinamul-led Opposition included in the committee stuck to their demands that 300 acres from within the project area be “returned” to the unwilling farmers. However, the industries minister described the meeting as “positive”. Mr Rabindranath Bhattacharya, the Trinamul MLA for Singur, said: “The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. We have specifically demanded that about 300 acres of land from within the project area should be returned to the farmers. We will hold discussions again after inspecting the project site tomorrow. “But we have made it clear that maximum land should be given to the farmers from within the project area,” he added. (END)

Wipro undeterred by Singur

By Tyagaraj Sharma

BANGALORE, Sept. 9: Bogged down by the ongoing controversy over the Tata Motors project at Singur, the beleaguered West Bengal chief minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, has found something to cheer about amidst the gloom enveloping him.For, undeterred by the prophets of doom and the consequent concern expressed by the industry in general over the negative fallout of Singur on the state's investment climate, Wipro Limited, which is set to expand its operations in West Bengal, has shown that it remains unfazed.According to a company statement, Wipro Limited has a presence in West Bengal and it will continue with its operations and plans in the state. The statement came after persistent queries on the proposed expansion of its facilities in the controversy-ridden state. Obviously, after this, Mr Bhattacharjee will heave a sigh of relief. More so, as barely 24 hours ago Infosys had made its concern known over the Singur development, even hinting at the possibility of reviewing its planned investment in the state. Infosys is investing Rs 500 crore to set up a software development centre in Rajarhat, opening up prospects of jobs for over 5,000. Following the developments in Singur, first Mr Narayana Murthy, chairman board of Infosys Technologies, termed the developments as unfortunate for West Bengal, India and all progressive Indians. His apprehension was that it would unleash fear and uncertainty in the minds of investors, Indians and foreign. If this was unsettling for the West Bengal government, Mr Mohan Das Pai, director, HR, Infosys, added that Infosys was rethinking its decision to expand business in West Bengal.This is where Wipro's belief in the state has come as music to the government's ears. The software giant is set to raise its present investment in Kolkata from Rs 140 crore to over Rs 500 crore in the next three years. This comprises the cost of land, expansion of existing facilities and related building and infrastructure.The company has also firmed up plans to raise its staff strength from 1,800 to 8,000 in the next four years. Singur or no Singur, all these plans remain unchanged, going by the statement issued by the company. (END) Source: The Statesman