Deputy Chief Minister M.K Stalin on Tuesday refuted the AIADMK's allegation of irregularities in the joint venture involving Tata Realty, Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and Indian Hotels Company Limited, saying the private sector investor was chosen through a transparent tender procedure.
The MOU relates to the setting up of Information Technology Park (Tidel-3) at Taramani. The project announcement was made during the budget session in 2007-08, when demands for the Industries and Information Technology were taken up for discussion. When the AIADMK moved an adjournment motion in the Assembly alleging irregularities, Mr. Stalin said it was the AIADMK regime that gave lands to the firms of its choice arbitrarily without adopting any tender procedure. “Now regime tenders are being called for in a transparent manner and lands are given to the highest bidder. We have nothing to hide and this government is open and transparent.”
He said TIDCO had sent a proposal for TIDEL-3. Based on it, a 25.27-acre site spread across Kanagam and Thiruvanmiyur villages was selected and the government approved the project. “TATAs were not chosen by the government arbitrarily without following any procedure.”
Mr. Stalin said Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited alone submitted its bid, quoting Rs.12,050 per sq.ft, which was higher than the Minimum Reserve Price. It was accepted. A sum of Rs.1,412 crore was received by the government as upfront lease amount from the firm and the land handed over on long-term lease.
Mr. Stalin said construction works were in progress. When the project is completed more than 20,000 persons would get employment. The entire project would be completed by May 2012.
Counter-charges
The Deputy Chief Minister gave examples to support his argument that the AIADMK regime had allocated lands to companies of its choice in an arbitrary manner.
By an order issued on May 26, 2005, 80 acres was given to WIPRO and 50 acres to Satyam Computers. Again 50 acres was given to HCL without calling for tenders and through government orders.
