Punjab’s land pooling is India’s boldest pro-farmer policy: Cheema

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday announced a landmark initiative by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government: the implementation of an innovative Land Pooling Policy designed to foster transparent and planned urban development across the state.

- GAURAV GOEL

This policy marks a significant departure from past practices, prioritizing voluntary participation and empowering landowners to become active stakeholders in the state's progress.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the the policy's core principle of 100% voluntary participation. "Under this visionary policy, there will be no forcible land acquisition. We developed a model that respects the rights and aspirations of our farmers and landowners." The Finance Minister highlighted the substantial economic benefits for participating landowners. "This policy directly addresses the growing demand for affordable housing in our urban centers, driven by Punjab’s rapid ur-

banization. Market estimates indicate that farmers who engage in this Land Pooling Policy stand to gain up to a 400 percent return on their land investment," he stated.