Ranchi, Dec. 13: Revenue and land reforms minister Mathura Prasad Mahto seems determined to realise outstanding land revenue dues from the Tatas, Bokaro Steel Limited and coal companies. He has convened a meeting with senior executives of these companies on Wednesday to discuss modalities for payment.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the minister claimed legal experts have informed him that Bharat Coking Coal Limited, Central Coalfields Limited, Eastern Coalfields Limited and Bokaro Steel Limited were duty-bound to pay land revenue as the coal companies only had ownership rights over coal deposits.

“Lands come under state list. These companies possess several thousand acres of gair majrua and rayati land. It is a separate issue that so long they went unnoticed without paying a single penny as land revenue taxes. But, we are determined to steer the battle to a decisive end,” Mahto added.

He also conceded to having received a proposal to smoothly resolve long-pending legal disputes with the Tatas involving payment of land revenue amounts. The state claims that the Tatas owe it Rs 110 crore involving Schedule IV areas and another Rs 170 crore involving Schedule V areas.

Mahto’s proposed meeting with the Tatas will also involve discussions on execution of health insurance schemes for families living below the poverty line. During the renewal of land lease deed in 2005, the company’s chief Ratan Tata had agreed to contribute Rs 25 crore per annum towards health insurance schemes.

However, no money has been given so far. The company’s executives have been arguing that the state government has not yet finalised the modalities for transfer of money and the company’s role in the execution of the scheme too ought to be taken care of. Accordingly, the minister held a meeting with the secretaries of health and labour departments two days back to discuss necessary preparations.

“I can give this project to the Tatas for the time being, if they are ready to guarantee proper execution. Contributions by the Tatas can be used for health benefits of unlisted BPL families,” the minister added.

The targeted destitute families are already getting benefits of national health insurance scheme. Contributions by Tatas can be used for extending health insurance facilities to such BPL families who do not figure in the targeted list,” he added.