Ms Mamata Banerjee government has decided to allow nine companies to keep ceiling excess land, some of which are farmland in Howrah and Bankura.

Thus she seemed to be sending out signals to investors that her government is as keen on industry as it proclaims.

Having made it clear that the government wouldn't be involved in land acquisition and disappointing the industrial sector in the bargain, the chief minister is into some confidence building exercise. Hence, the decision to waive ceiling surplus rules was taken in the meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on industry and infrastructure, convened by the chief minister herself. JSW Steel, ACC Cement, Patton, Indian Foundry Association and Shubha Ispat are among the nine companies.

The waiver comes with a rider: the investor, who will be leased back the land, must make the right use of the land within three years, or else it goes back to the government.

State industries minister Mr Partha Chatterjee said that "We have decided to regularize the ceiling excess land of these nine companies adding that but the exemption will be subjected to further scrutiny." These companies have been pulled up for holding ceiling excess land under Section 14Y of the West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955. As per rules, nobody can keep more than 24.2 acres unless allowed exemption (immunity is allowed to those setting up mills, factories and tea gardens, but they must seek the privilege).

The government will first vest the land exceeding the permissible 24 acres, and then clamp a penalty on the industrialist for buying ceiling-excess land. On returning the land, a lease rent will be charged because ownership rights are not allowed on vested land.

(Sourced from TOI)