punjab-scraps-land-pooling-policy-after-farmers-protests

The Punjab Government on Monday withdrew its land pooling policy after facing stiff opposition from farmers and political parties, and also legal pressure. Under the policy, announced in June, the Punjab Government was to acquire 65,533 acres of agricultural land in 164 villages, including 46,861 acres in Ludhiana, to develop residential and industrial zones.

 

The move came days after the Punjab and Haryana High Court put the policy on hold last week, criticising the state’s AAP government for introducing it without an environmental or social impact assessment.

 

Principal Secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Development on Monday evening said, "The government hereby withdraws the land pooling policy dated May 14 and its subsequent amendments. Consequently, all actions, like letters of intent issued, registration done, or any other action taken thereunder shall be reversed henceforth." 

 

Two days ago, key bureaucrats involved in drafting the policy met senior AAP leaders. Till Monday morning, the party’s top leadership and ministers were discussing the matter and agreed that the policy was politically damaging for AAP. The decision to scrap it was taken just hours later.

 

The Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government had been under heavy criticism from Opposition parties and farmer groups, who called the land pooling policy a “looting” plan meant to take away farmers’ land.

 

Parties like the Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP, and Congress held several protests against it, while farmer organisations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, had also announced demonstrations. Even some AAP leaders opposed it, urging the government to address the concerns of the farmers first.

 

AAP leaders defended the policy, accusing the Opposition of spreading “propaganda”. They described it as “farmer-friendly” and assured that no land would be taken forcibly. The government said the aim was to promote transparent and planned urban development across Punjab.

 

Last week, the High Court had strongly criticised the government for rushing the policy and failing to consider the farmers’ issues.