`Only two balls bowled in the match so far'

HUBLI: In the wake of farmers' protest in Halligudi and elsewhere in the state, industries minister Murugesh Nirani has devised a plan to ensure they don't get repeated. He talks to STOI about the future of the Posco project in the state and the upcoming Global Investors Meet.
What lesson have you learnt from the Posco fiasco?
We haven't learnt any lesson.The government realized it's just not enough if we convince farmers but we should also be ready for the onslaught of opposition parties and vested interests bound to create hurdles to industrial development.
What forced the government to withdraw land acquisition in Gadag? Was it farmers' protest, seer intervention or political dynamics?
Actually none of them. The CM and I, who come from farmers' families, had earlier decided we should not acquire land, fertile or infertile, for industries if there is any resistance from farmers.
Why did the government stop land acquisition a day before the seers' convention?
The government decision had nothing to do with the seers' convention though I feel the seers should not participate in such protests as they are regarded highly in the society.
Is the government still hopeful of a turnaround by farmers of Halligudi to part with their lands?
Yes, I sense it. There is a long innings ahead. Just two balls have been bowled in the match so far. Wait for a week to see how things will unfold.
There is speculation that you are lobbying to get the Posco steel plant to your home district of Bagalkot...
No way. I'm not just a minister for Bagalkot but the industries minister for the state. It's my duty to ensure that every district gets one or two major industries to ensure overall growth of the state.
How will you ensure the Halligudi episode doesn't get repeated in future projects?
We'll have a new approach to land acquisition in future. We're shortly bringing in an amendment to the Karnataka Industries Areas Development Board Act, 1966. We'll have extensive consultations with land owners through gram sabhas before issuing a notification for land acquisition. Only if 70% of land owners agree to part with their land will we go ahead with acquisition by forcing other 30% to fall in line.
toiblr.reporter@timesgroup.com