Punjab government rolls out Land Pooling policy; promises farmer welfare and higher compensation
CHANDIGARH: Punjab government has rolled out a new policy for farmers' welfare that aims to prioritise partnership and transparency through its Land Pooling model.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led
Aam Aadmi Party
(AAP) government has introduced a land pooling model under which farmers receive annual compensation of Rs 1 lakh, five times more than the Rs 20,000 previously given.
In addition to the revised amount, the policy includes a 10% annual increment in the rental sum.
Farmers joining the scheme also receive an upfront payment of Rs 50,000.
Upon enrollment, farmers receive a Rs 50,000 advance cheque for the first year and a Letter of Intent (LOI) within just 21 days.
Until development begins on the pooled land, farmers retain full possession and can continue agricultural activities. The government will continue to deposit the ₹1 lakh annually into their accounts during this period.
Officials claim the new model eliminates the need for middlemen and reduces opportunities for corruption, offering what is described as a direct and transparent approach.
The land pooling model also alters the traditional equation between farmers and urban developers. Rather than being sidelined as land providers, farmers are being positioned as stakeholders in the development process.
Initial response to the scheme has seen participation from more than 50 farmers in Mohali. In Patiala, over 150 acres were pooled voluntarily in the first week. Similar interest has reportedly been seen in Amritsar, Moga, Sangrur, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Kapurthala, and Bathinda.
AAP government's policy is built on consent, without forcible acquisition. Government officials say it aims to provide fair and consistent compensation while involving farmers in the development process.
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