'Idco usurping khadi board land in Bhubaneshwar'

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) has come under attack from a group of Gandhians, who alleged it was hatching a conspiracy to grab land owned by Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board. Idco recently came under scanner for 14 acre allotted to a city-based educational institution. Law department is looking into the matter.
Secretary of Gandhian outfit Vinova Bhabe Pratisthan Manoj Jena said Idco plans to take over 3.318 acre, owned by the board along Janpath near Sriya Talkies Square here for developing a commercial complex.
According to Idco plan, the board would get only 16% built-up area after the commercial hub is set up. Even the corporation two years ago got the plan approved by a high-power committee, Jena said. If the land is transferred in the name of Idco, thousands of people dependent on village industries will be deprived of livelihood, Jena added.
He said in 2003, the state government planned to set up a Gramyodyog Bhawan on the board's premises. "Nobody knew that after 11 years, the state government will change its stance and instead approve a 24-storey commercial complex," Jena said.
"If at all the government comes up with any development plan on the land, it should be meant for khadi and village industries only," he said.