ASSOCHAM asks parties not to politicise land acquisition

Apex industry body ASSOCHAM today termed acquisition for big projects like Posco steel plant a national problem, and asked parties to refrain from politicising such issues and industries to avoid acquiring agricultural land.

"Land acquisition problem for projects like Posco is not confined to Orissa. It is a national problem as some people try to politicise the issue," ASSOCHAM's Secretary General DS Rawat told reporters here.

Observing that there is a lot of political interests involved in protests against Posco and other projects in the country of which Orissa has become a victim, he said all political parties must refrain from politicising the issue of
land acquisition.

Stating that resistance to mega Posco project was expected, Rawat said, "We should try to avoid acquisition of agricultural land for setting up industries. Efforts should be to locate industrial units in barren areas. It will
substantially reduce the scope for resistance."

Seeking adequate steps for proper rehabilitation of people affected by industries, the ASSOCHAM secretary general said the uprooted people must be provided with jobs and made partners and share-holders in industrial progress.

He said though some investors might become cautious for sometime due to anti-project agitation, investment would not be dampened in the long run. Besides, he said, concrete steps were needed to maintain ecological balance while setting up industries. "In fact, we are keen to preserve environment."