Govt Will Stand by Farmers on NLC Issue, Minister Keerthana Tells Assembly

Industries Minister Keerthana assured the Legislative Assembly in Chennai that the government will stand firmly behind local farmers and the public regarding ongoing issues surrounding NLC India Ltd (NLCIL). She stated that strict regulatory action will be taken if the public sector undertaking violates rules or functions against public welfare.

The discussion was triggered by a motion moved by AIADMK MLA Arulmozhithevan, who highlighted the continuous struggles of farmers and agricultural labourers in Cuddalore district who surrendered their lands and homes for NLC projects. Arulmozhithevan urged the government to urgently constitute a high-level committee to fast-track rehabilitation schemes and address the extensive damage caused to agricultural fields by collapsed mine-spoil mounds.

DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth supported the call, pointing out that numerous surrounding villages continue to suffer without adequate compensation or long-term relief from the public enterprise.

Joining the debate, PMK MLA Sowmiya Anbumani strongly criticised NLCIL’s corporate social responsibility spending. She questioned whether allocated funds genuinely benefit the local populace or merely serve the company’s internal expansion. She also raised concerns regarding local employment, arguing that NLCIL recruits external candidates through competitive entrance examinations instead of providing direct jobs or vocational training to the children of land-giving farmers. Additionally, she drew attention to severe groundwater depletion and broader environmental degradation in the region.

Responding to the concerns, Minister Keerthana initially placed on record technical clarifications provided by NLCIL. She stated that the company prioritises the safety of surrounding farmlands and noted that no recent breaches, overflows, or silt collapses have been recorded since mitigation works were undertaken following the 2015 floods. She detailed preventive infrastructure, including protective bunds and water diversion channels linked to the Paravanar river.

However, Arulmozhithevan dismissed the company's claims as misleading, maintaining that affected farmers have received no compensation since 2019 and reiterating the demand for an independent inquiry.

Reiterating the government’s pro-farmer stance, Keerthana stated that the administration, having completed three months in office, has already constituted a dedicated committee and initiated tripartite discussions among local representatives, government officials, and the NLCIL management. She affirmed that the state would not act against public interest and will take strict regulatory action if the company operates contrary to established guidelines.