Higher compensation for protesting farmers likely, says industries minister Patil | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: In a move to quell protests, industries minister MB Patil Sunday said the govt will announce a higher compensation package for the 1,777 acres of land that was notified for a defence and aerospace park in Channarayapatna hobli, Devanahalli taluk.The land acquisition process has sparked vociferous opposition, with prominent voices such as actor Prakash Raj publicly backing protesting farmers in Devanahalli. Patil told reporters that a key meeting scheduled for Tuesday with chief minister Siddaramaiah will determine the govt’s final decision on the matter.“In a democracy, farmers have the right to protest land acquisition,” Patil said. “But the govt will also try and take everyone along. The CM will take a final decision on Tuesday. We expect him to announce a higher compensation or share in developed land for every acre of land acquired,” added Patil, suggesting the govt remains committed to moving forward with the project.Currently, the govt is offering 10,781 square feet of developed land for every acre acquired. But local farmers and rising protests have prompted the govt to reconsider the compensation terms. A group of farmers Saturday had met Siddaramaiah and urged him to raise compensation to Rs 3.5 crore per acre besides jobs for children of farmers who give up land.Patil also took aim at certain activists and intellectuals who have supported farmers’ protests, revealing that “one” of them had previously approached the govt seeking help with land conversion for 400 acres of own land.“A person who does not have land or stakes in the protest, is not an important person; it is the farmer who owns the land who is important,” Patil said. “We will not force anyone. I know the facts of the case and those who are protesting the acquisition. We will discuss the entire thing once again on Tuesday and the CM will announce his final decision.”