Chandigarh, July 22 — The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday approved key amendments to the state’s land pooling policy, as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the move and accused Opposition parties of “spreading misinformation” to mislead the farming community.
Addressing a press briefing after chairing the cabinet meeting, Mann rejected claims that the policy would deprive farmers of their land. “Not a single inch will be acquired forcibly. In fact, farmers are becoming partners in development. They are liking the policy,” he said.
The land pooling policy, initially cleared by the cabinet last month, aims to promote planned urban development without compulsory land acquisition. Under the scheme, landowners contributing one acre will receive 1,000 square yards of developed residential land and 200 square yards of commercial land. Alternatively, if the commercial plot is declined, an additional 600 square yards of residential land will be allotted.
“If an urban estate is planned over 140 acres and 15 acres are not contributed, it does not mean farmers can’t take loans or mortgage their land. This is pure propaganda,” Mann said, responding to criticism that landowners would lose property rights post-notification.
Farmers opting into the scheme will be allowed to continue cultivation until development work begins. They will be compensated ₹50,000 per acre during this interim period. Upon government possession, the compensation rises to ₹1 lakh per acre, with a 10% annual increment if development is delayed beyond a year.
“These amendments reflect suggestions from farmers themselves,” Mann noted. “We’ve ensured they won’t suffer financially.”
Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha added that landowners would be eligible to secure loans based on the letter of intent issued under the scheme.
Despite these reassurances, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has faced backlash. Opposition leaders and farmer groups, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have described the scheme as a ploy to “loot” agricultural land under the guise of development.
Mann dismissed the allegations, calling the policy “historic” and grounded in fairness. “There’s no injustice here. It’s a transparent model that encourages participation instead of coercion,” he said.
The land pooling initiative, according to Mann, is central to creating modern infrastructure in Punjab without triggering farmer displacement.
