CM Shivakumar Draws Legal Line on NICE Project, Assures Protection for Farmers

BENGALURU, Sept 8 : Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said the state government would take any decision regarding the NICE project strictly within the legal framework and assured that the interests of farmers who had lost their land would be protected.

Speaking to reporters at Devanahalli, Mr Shivakumar said the government was reviewing all aspects of the project and would seek legal opinion before taking any further decision.

“Whatever we do will be within the legal framework. We will seek legal opinion. We are reviewing everything. We will not do anything outside the law,” he said, responding to criticism that the government had violated legal provisions while taking a Cabinet decision concerning the project in the Devanahalli industrial area.

The Chief Minister said the government had a responsibility to protect farmers who had lost their land under agreements entered into by previous governments.

“Previous governments had signed agreements and farmers lost their property. They should be protected,” he said.

Mr Shivakumar said the government would examine the entire matter carefully before proceeding with further action.

“I also have a conscience. Even if a person is not educated, he should have intelligence and common sense,” he remarked.

He said the government would continue to address issues concerning farmers and had convened a special session of the Legislative Assembly to discuss their problems.