Land Grabs In India Spur Criticism

The Communist government in West Bengal, India, has seized the land of thousands of farmer to make room for a car factory. Many criticize the government's emphasis on industrialization.

1 minute read

February 16, 2007, 5:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"A few months ago the Communist-run government in the eastern state of West Bengal acquired his - and some 11,000 other farmers' - land alongside a six-lane highway, some 50km from the capital, Calcutta."

"Their farms have made way for a 1000-acre plot for Tata Motors, one of India's largest car makers, to set up a cheap ($2200) car factory."

"At the heart of it, however, is a bigger issue which is bedevilling village India - governments are acquiring large tracts of land to set up special economic zones (SEZs) to push up employment and earnings."

"Critics say this is destined to become the biggest land grab in post-colonial India, given the lack of transparency and rampant corruption in government."

FULL STORY: Revolt against India's industrial changes

Monday, February 12, 2007 in BBC

Community / Economic Development India

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