The West Bengal Government has decided against land acquisition for projects to be developed through PPP route.
As per the new decision, the state government will only act as a facilitator to get faster clearances and tax benefits. The PPP project promoter has to acquire land all by itself. In some cases, rehabilitation might be provided in accordance with the laid down policies of the state. The decision may impact a number of development projects in the state, including some railway projects.
Meanwhile, the state government might ask all departments to come up with the available land parcels they have with them. This will be the state’s so-called land bank. Land will be offered to investors or private partners from this bank. Earlier, it was the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) which would facilitate the transfer of land to investors even for PPP projects.