The Gujarat Congress accused the state government of corruption in allocating land to industries in Bharuch, claiming a scam of Rs 2,000 crore. The Congress alleged that the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) reversed a decision to auction plots in saturated zones, allowing fixed-rate allotments instead.
Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil demanded an investigation by a high court judge into the reversal of the June 2023 decision. However, Minister Rushikesh Patel defended the GIDC’s decision, stating it was influenced by industry representations.
Patel clarified that the GIDC board’s decision was based on the availability of unsold land in the chemical and engineering zones of the Dahej and Saykha estates. He emphasized that the allocation process is transparent and no financial loss occurred.
The controversy highlights the challenges in land allocation for industrial development and underscores the need for transparency and accountability in such processes.
Published on 17 June 2024, 11:01 IST