Punjab Approves New Land Pooling Policy: 400% Return for Farmers, Rs 30,000/Acre Aid, Plots with Full Amenities in 27 Cities

Move aimed at curbing illegal colonisation, empowering farmers, and promoting planned development across 27 cities

- Taruni Gandhi Chandigarh

In a significant development aimed at streamlining urban expansion and tackling the menace of illegal colonies, the Punjab Cabinet on Monday approved a new Land Pooling Policy. The policy, described as a voluntary and participatory model, seeks to include landowners as stakeholders in the state's planned growth initiatives while ensuring safeguards against coercion or exploitation.

The policy was approved during a meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's official residence. With this move, the government aims to reverse decades of unregulated construction and unchecked colonisation, particularly in urban fringes and peri-urban areas.

Punjab Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora clarified that the scheme is completely voluntary. "There is no force, no pressure. The farmer has complete authority. Nothing will happen without their written consent," he stated.