Punjab Land Pooling Policy Ignites Fierce Debate: Government Defends ‘Farmer-Friendly’ Development Amid Opposition ‘Scam’ Claims

Punjab Land Pooling Policy Ignites Fierce Debate: Government Defends ‘Farmer-Friendly’ Development Amid Opposition ‘Scam’ Claims

RMN News Report Highlights:

• Punjab’s new land pooling policy has sparked a significant political clash between the ruling AAP and opposition parties, primarily the SAD.
• The AAP government defends the policy as voluntary, transparent, and beneficial for farmers, guaranteeing developed residential and commercial plots in exchange for land.
• The opposition, led by SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal, calls the policy a “scam”, alleging it will forcibly displace thousands of farmers and vowing to prevent any land acquisition.
• The policy initially aims to acquire approximately 24,000 acres of farmland around Ludhiana, with an overall target of an estimated 40,000 acres across 27 cities and towns for urban development.

By Rakesh Raman
New Delhi | July 20, 2025

A recently notified land pooling policy in Punjab has sparked a significant political confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), alongside other rival parties and farmer bodies.

While the state government champions the policy as a voluntary, transparent, and beneficial initiative for urban development and landowners, guaranteeing developed plots in return, critics, led by SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal, have vehemently protested, labeling it a “scam” harmful to farmers and vowing to prevent any land acquisition. The policy initially aims to acquire approximately 24,000 acres of farmland around Ludhiana and has been approved for rollout in 27 cities and towns, targeting an estimated 40,000 acres.

Government Defends ‘Voluntary’ and ‘Transparent’ Approach

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has actively sought to clarify what he terms “misconceptions” surrounding the policy, asserting that the state government is not acquiring land forcibly. Speaking in Patiala, Mann emphasized that the government is seeking the consent and input of farmers and landowners for sustainable urban development projects. He firmly rejected claims from opposition parties calling the scheme a scam, affirming its transparency and public-friendliness. Mann contrasted this approach with past governments’ opaque land acquisitions that led to profiteering for a few at farmers’ expense, highlighting his administration’s commitment to fairness.

[ Punjab’s Hidden Billions: Majithia Arrest Exposes Drug Money Web ]

Finance and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema echoed this sentiment, stating that not a single inch of land would be forcibly taken under the policy and that farmers retain the decision to participate. The policy, which was approved by the Punjab cabinet on June 2, aims to acquire land for housing and related projects to promote planned urban development, with initial plans for cities like Ludhiana, Mohali, Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Patiala.

CM Mann also addressed the issue of illegal colonies, which he stated had “mushroomed” under previous administrations, leaving residents without basic amenities. His government is determined to regulate and redevelop these areas to ensure access to modern facilities, stressing the importance of bringing modern urban planning to rural Punjab with proper sewage, parks, electricity, and clean water. He criticized opposition parties for spreading misinformation, suggesting some leaders oppose the policy because its transparency would end their “cosy deals” in real estate.

SAD Slams Policy as a ‘Scam,’ Vows to Prevent Acquisition

In stark contrast, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal led a protest on May 28 against the policy on Ferozepur Road outside the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) office. Badal described the land pooling scheme as being introduced by AAP specifically to “mint money“. He warned that the policy would negatively impact farmers who would lose their livelihood and declared that his party will not let even a single inch of land be acquired for this scheme.

Badal argued that only a regional party could truly understand the pain of its people, accusing AAP, Congress, and BJP of seeking to exploit Punjab’s resources. He pointed out that farmer organizations and opposition parties, including Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Shiromani Akali Dal, allege that the large-scale land acquisition for urbanization would displace thousands of farmers from their “cultivable and fertile land”. Badal also issued a warning to the bureaucracy, advising them not to become “puppets” of the AAP government and threatening action against officials who commit wrongs if AAP is rejected in the 2027 assembly elections.

Policy Mechanics and Potential Returns for Landowners

The government explains that participation in the land pooling policy is entirely voluntary, meaning landowners can choose to continue using their land for farming or other purposes if they prefer not to join. For those who opt to participate, the policy guarantees specific returns: for every acre contributed, landowners are promised a residential plot of 1,000 square yards in developed urban areas and a commercial space of 200 square yards for shops or showrooms.

Chief Minister Mann claims that these developed plots and spaces will have a significantly higher market value. He estimated that developed property received in return for land currently worth Rs 1 crore per acre could be valued at Rs 3-4 crore, which landowners would be free to keep, rent, or sell. The state government will bear all development costs, including infrastructure like roads, drainage, electricity, and water supply. Mann assured that all agreements would be made directly between the government and landowners, ensuring legal protections.

The policy initially plans to acquire an estimated 24,000 acres of farmland in over 40 villages around Ludhiana, with an overall target of acquiring approximately 40,000 acres across 27 cities and towns for urban development.

This political clash over the land pooling policy highlights a fundamental debate between development aspirations and agricultural concerns, framing the future landscape of Punjab.