Punjab FM unveils ambitious land pooling policy

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday launched his government’s land pooling policy, a flagship initiative aiming at developing several townships in the state.

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The policy has been in the works for quite some time as the cash-strapped state explored ways to boost its revenues in the wake of the mounting debt burden.

The townships will be development near several cities, including Ludhiana, where over 24,000 acres of agriculture land is expected to be used for the purpose.

The move has already drawn the ire of the Opposition parties.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring have warned that this would be ecologically disastrous and would reduce farmers into landless labourers.

Cheema, however, said it would foster urban development. He said the policy made a significant departure from past practices, prioritising voluntary participation.

“There will be no forcible land acquisitions. We developed a model that respects the rights and aspirations of our farmers and landowners,” he said, adding that the policy envisaged “complete voluntary participation”.

He said the initiative would directly address the growing demand for affordable housing at urban centres. “Market estimates indicate that farmers who opt for the land pooling policy stand to gain up to a 400 per cent return on their land investment,” he claimed.

Cheema said government agencies would undertake the development of the pooled land, ensuring the provision of roads, water supply, sewerage, drainage and electricity.

“Once developed, the land, returned to the original landowners as per their contribution, will appreciate significantly. Landowners will have the autonomy to utilise their developed land as they see fit, whether for personal use or for sale,” said Cheema.