‘No forced acquisitions’: Govt defends land pooling policy

Finance minister Cheema says the Opposition is trying to create a false narrative against the policy, which aims to curb illegal colonies

- HT Correspondent

Amid strong opposition from farmer bodies and rival political parties in the state, the Punjab government on Friday defended its land pooling policy, stating that this scheme is farmer-friendly and based on mutual consent.

Finance and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that under the land pooling policy, not a single inch of land would be forcibly taken from any farmer. “As per the provisions of the policy, the farmers will decide whether or not to give their land,” he said at a press conference here, accusing the Opposition, Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Shiromani Akali Dal of attempting to create a false narrative in the state.