CM directs Burdwan authority to search for new plot for Misti Hub

Stating that she wants the Singur verdict to be implemented everywhere to avoid forceful acquisition of land against consent of farmers, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the state government has directed the district authority of Burdwan to search for a new plot for the proposed Misti Hub.

The decision to shift the hub from its proposed location was taken following reports received by the state secretariat stating that farmers have shown resentment against bringing it up on the 10.5 acre plot that was acquired by the erstwhile Left Front government in 2007.

“I have asked the district authorities in Burdwan to find out an alternative plot where Misti hub will be set up. The decision has been taken immediately after I came to know that some farmers don’t want it to come up there. The land was acquired in 2007,” she said adding that the judgement given by the Division Bench of the Supreme Court in connection with Singur is a historical one and it need to be implemented everywhere.

On Thursday she announced the decision of shifting the location of the proposed Langcha hub in a press conference held in Nabanna on Thursday.

It may be recalled that Banerjee had announced setting up of a Langcha hub near Shaktigarh in Burdwan while addressing the inaugural programme of Mati Utsav on January 19. Later on August 6 Chief Minister had announced after an administrative review meeting in Burdwan that it will be a Misti hub instead of Langcha hub. The decision to set up the hub was taken considering the business potential of the locally made sweets and it was decided to sell the sweets in small packets in all the outlets of Biswa Bangla. She had also announced that the same sweets will be marketed outside abroad.

Banerjee will be leaving for Italy and Germany on Friday morning. She said that her visit to Germany will help in fetching investment for the state. The place is known for its jewellery and leather manufacturing units.

“The Bengal Global Business Summit is scheduled to be held on January 20 and 21 in 2017. Earlier, I had visited UK and Singapore. It proved beneficial for the state in terms of investment. A delegation of businessmen is going with me this time and I am hopeful that this visit will also be beneficial for the state,” she said adding, that many countries invited the state government. A team of nine people including the Information and Cultural Affairs Department’s principal secretary Atri Bhattacharya and seven people from the film industry would be visiting China during film festival there.