Considering the ongoing opposition to the Land Pooling Policy, the Punjab Government, in a cabinet meeting held on July 22, 2025, approved amendments to the policy.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government announced the Land Pooling Policy 2025 to curb illegal colonies (over 14,000 in Punjab) and regulate builders in areas near major cities.
According to the government, the primary objective of this policy is to protect landowners from forced land acquisition and make them partners in the development process.
Under this policy, landowners provide their land for development and, in return, receive a portion of developed land or other benefits. The government plans to implement land pooling in areas like Ludhiana (24,000 acres), Mohali (6,000 acres), and Amritsar (4,464 acres).
Key Aspects of Government Claims:
● For 1 acre of land: 1,000 square yards of residential plot and 200 square yards of commercial space.
● For 1 kanal (505.857 square meters): 125 square yards of residential plot and 25 square yards of commercial space.
● For 2 kanals: 250 square yards of residential plot and 50 square yards of commercial space.
● For 3 kanals: Two residential plots of 250 square yards and 125 square yards, and 75 square yards of commercial space.
● For 4 kanals: One 500-square-yard plot or two 250-square-yard plots.
● If a landowner opts out of 200 square yards of commercial space, they will receive an additional 600 square yards of residential space (total 1,600 square yards).
● For industrial/institutional use: 1,600 square yards of industrial/institutional plot per acre.
● For integrated industrial parks: 1,000 square yards of industrial plot, 300 square yards of residential plot, and 100 square yards of commercial space per acre.
● For 9 acres: 3 acres of developed land (for group housing); for 50 acres: 30 acres of developed land.
● For those contributing 10 to 40 square yards: Booths will be allotted instead of commercial sites, constructed by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), with construction costs paid upfront by the landowner.
● Landowners can choose the size of residential plots (e.g., 500, 400, 100 square yards or 500, 300, 200 square yards), but commercial space size is fixed, with allotment prioritized from larger to smaller sizes.
● Residential and commercial site allotments will be done through a draw of lots.
● Landowners will receive an advance compensation of ₹50,000 per acre annually and can continue farming. After one year, compensation will increase to ₹1 lakh per acre annually, with a 10% annual increase until the project is completed.
● Consenting farmers will receive a one-time cheque of ₹50,000.
● Within 21 days of consent, a Letter of Intent (LoI) will be issued, which is tradable with a 2% transfer fee. Landowners can also secure bank loans based on the LoI.
● If a landowner prefers cash compensation over plots, they will receive cash along with plots under the “OST” category.
● Compensation for shamlat (common) land will be deposited into the village panchayat’s account.
● If a house exists on the land, the owner will receive a plot or flat as per the policy’s provisions.
Defense of the Policy by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aman Arora:
Bhagwant Mann: The Chief Minister emphasized that the Land Pooling Policy is in the interest of farmers and accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation. He clarified that the policy will not harm landowners and will promote development, urging people to reject misleading propaganda.
Aman Arora: AAP’s Punjab State President and Sunam MLA supported the policy, claiming it is designed for the benefit of Punjab and its farmers.
The government claims the policy empowers farmers and prevents illegal colonies. It stated that over 50 farmers in Mohali and 150 acres of land in Patiala have voluntarily supported the pooling.
Questions from Opposition and Farmer Organizations:
Congress: The Congress and other opposition parties have strongly criticized the policy. On July 14, 2025, Punjab Congress held large-scale protests, calling it anti-farmer and alleging it is a conspiracy to hand over farmers’ land to corporates or builders.
SAD Spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kaler: Claimed that the AAP government is attempting to forcibly acquire fertile land and transfer it to private builders and developers, calling it a “shocking” move against farmers’ interests.
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar and National General Secretary Tarun Chugh: Termed the policy “land grabbing,” “daylight robbery,” and an “unconstitutional scheme,” alleging that AAP is trying to transfer fertile land to real estate mafias and close associates of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.
Farmer Organizations: Groups like the Samyukt Kisan Morcha have strongly objected, claiming the policy ignores farmers’ interests and resembles forced land acquisition. Resolutions from gram sabhas and protests in areas like Jodhan village in Ludhiana highlight public discontent.
Claims of 1600 Letters Against the Policy to GLADA:
The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) has reportedly received over 1,600 letters opposing the Land Pooling Policy from farmers, local residents, and opposition supporters, raising concerns about its impact. These letters have intensified opposition, though the government dismisses them as part of misleading propaganda.
Public Opinion:
Public opinion is divided. Some farmers and residents see the policy as an opportunity for development, financial benefits, and curbing illegal colonies. However, a significant number view it as potential exploitation of fertile land and criticize its lack of clarity. The 1,600 letters to GLADA and gram sabha resolutions reflect the intensity of opposition. The policy’s success will depend on transparent implementation and gaining farmers’ trust.