Panjab Unveils Land Pooling Policy, Farmers Decry Land Grab

On 22 May, Panjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced the implementation of the state government's new land pooling policy. He emphasized it was a '100% voluntary participation' scheme and asserted farmers could potentially see returns of up to 400% on their land investment. The policy allows landowners contributing one acre of land, currently valued at approximately USD 146K, to receive developed residential plots of 1,000 square yards and commercial plots of 200 square yards, collectively valued at around USD 493K. Cheema stressed this marks a departure from earlier forced acquisitions by previous govts. and said the move would dismantle 'land mafia' networks previously benefiting political allies. He added, govt. agencies would undertake infrastructure development, including roads, water supply, sewerage, drainage, and electricity, enhancing the market value significantly. However, the announcement sparked outrage among farmers in Ludhiana's 44 affected villages from the 24,311 acres the govt. is targetting. Farmers termed the move as a disguised 'land grab'. Farmers like Jagroop Singh from Hassanpur are skeptical over receiving promised plots promptly or finding buyers. Farmers from villages like Pamal and Gauhar said existing land prices already exceed USD 587K per acre. Member of Legislative Assembly, Shiromani Akali Dal’s Manpreet Singh Ayali questioned the policy’s feasibility, while environmentalist Samita Kaur argued it prioritized urbanization over agriculture. Separately, on 23 May, Panjab's cabinet amended the Punjab Management and Transfer of Municipal Properties Rules, 2021, requiring buyers of govt. properties to pay the full amount within 6 months instead of three years. The aim is to expedite revenue collection and reduce legal disputes. On 27 May, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal launched the Easy Registration scheme. The govt. promises registration of sale deeds will now be processed within 48 hours of the submission of documents. The cabinet also allocated USD 587K to the Punjab Innovation Mission to promote industrial growth and job creation and approved service rules for Panjab police personnel promoted through sports quotas (earlier coverage).