CAG finds fault with land transfer in Odisha

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, June 23: The objective of implementation of the Land Bank Scheme to facilitate identification and transfer of land for industries remained largely unfulfilled in Odisha, according to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.In its report that was tabled in the Odisha Assembly on Monday, the CAG pointed out that monitoring of end use of land was poor as instances of non-utilisation as well as diversion of land by small and medium industries for purposes other than intended were noticed.“No action was taken to resume the unutilized land for over three years despite stipulation in the OIIDC Act.Enforcement mechanism to resume the allotted land in case of violation of conditions of lease deed was also ineffective,” the CAG said.During 2001-12, the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) allotted 29769.482 acre of private land and 16963.412 acre of government land for 52 out of 89 MoU industries and for 54 out of 113 non-MoU industries.Performance audit of acquisition and allotment of land for industrial purpose by IDCO for the period 2001-12 revealed several systemic deficiencies such as incorrect application of public purpose clause, emergency provision for acquisition of land, assessment of compensation etc, the CAG report pointed out.“Instances were also noticed where land was acquired on locations identified by the promoters of industries without considering the impact on agriculture, irrigation and environment,” the CAG added.Monitoring of end use of land was poor as instances of non-utilisation as well as diversion of land by small and medium industries for purposes other than intended were noticed, according to the report.