March 12, 2012
Government to observe Krishak Dibash on March 14, CM reiterates her stand on land acquisition
“On the coming March 14 is the anniversary of Nandigram massacre and as you are aware that we have decided to observe this day as ‘Krishi Jomi Rokhha Dibosh’. I am myhself going to Nandigram and will stand beside those who have lost their near and dear ones during the massacre. I want to inform you that from this year onwards we will observe this day as ‘Krishak Dibosh’ and I will inaugurate the programme around 4 PM at Nandigram”, were the opening words of the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee at the Writers’ Building on Monday. The Chief Minister further said that the need of the hour is to realize the strength of the farmers and this was the reason the state government will hold a special programme on this day having the philosophy, ‘Krishi andolon, krishi amader gourob, krishok ra amader shompod’ (Farmer’s revolution, farmers are our pride, farmers are our asset ).
To encourage farmers, Ms. Banerjee said her government was committed to set up 61 kishan mandis, besides 371 cold storages in different blocks in the state. Kishan Credit Cards have already been introduced, she said. "To me both Nandigram and Singur have special importance. Regarding Singur land, the state government will take decision after the the court order," Ms. Banerjee said. Earlier she held a meeting with key cabinet ministers. Meanwhile, state's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. Partha Chatterjee said all Trinamool Congress MLAs have ben asked to remain present at the assembly premises to observe the day as Krishak Divas.
Finally, the Chief Minister reiterated the stand over the land acquisition adopted by the Trinamool Congress and said, “I have repeatedly said that in no circumstances we will grab land in the name of Special Economic Zones (SEZ)”. However, she maintained if the project demands land then her government will consider the project and make land available.
