Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 30: After the villagers opposed the IIT project at Shel-Melauli village in Sattari, chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday, October 29 visited the village to convince the villagers. However, the villagers should firm on their stand.

The chief minister assured the villagers that the IIT project is meant for the development of the village and it was not against them or take away their properties. "Development of the village means the development of the villagers. Around 500 to 1000 people will get jobs and next two generations will benefit," Sawant said.

Sawant offered to take few villagers to show the IIT campuses in other parts of the country, how well they are maintained and how they contribute to development. He assured to sort out the issues regarding land rights. "I am aware that the villagers have several issues regarding the project, but this issue cannot be resolved by interacting with a huge crowd. The issue should be discussed with 10-15 village representatives."

Sawant further said that when government brings a project to any village, the vision is a long term benefit and development. But the villagers were not convinced, and continued their opposition to the project with the slogan, 'Go back IIT'.