Punjab land pooling policy 2025: Govt to offer Rs 1 lakh per acre annually to farmers until they get respective plots
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Cabinet has approved key amendments to its land pooling policy aimed at providing greater financial assurance to farmers participating in infrastructure and development projects. Under the revised policy, the state government will now offer Rs 1 lakh per acre annually to farmers until they are allotted their respective plots. This payment will increase by 10 percent each year if possession of the plots is delayed.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made the announcement following the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. He claimed that they were not forcing anyone to give up their land. He said their intent was to benefit the actual landowners and ensure they were compensated adequately. The CM accused opposition leaders of spreading misinformation. “No land registry has been halted. Land pooling is completely voluntary. Our aim is to prevent illegal colonies and ensure systematic development,” CM Mann said.
Key highlights of the revised land pooling policy
Farmers will receive Rs 1 lakh per acre every year until developed plot is handed over to them.
A 10% hike in annual compensation will be applicable if the handover is delayed beyond the stipulated time.
Farmers will receive Rs 50,000 upfront upon consenting to join the scheme.
The rental amount for land acquired under the scheme has been increased five-fold.
Until development work begins, farmers can continue to cultivate their land and retain full profits from agriculture.
Farmers unwilling to accept commercial plots will be offered increased residential area instead.
The Chief Minister said the scheme would also address cases where less than one acre was being acquired from a landowner, ensuring fair distribution and benefits for smallholders. He reaffirmed that the government would offer plots in return for land – not monetary compensation alone.
When asked about the large-scale acquisition of 65,000 acres, CM Mann refuted the claim. He said they were not acquiring 65,000 acres at once. It involved only four villages near Patiala and two in Sangrur.
The CM claimed that the government had actively engaged with village panchayats and sarpanches to collect feedback and make necessary changes to the land pooling policy.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Government also announced that a Letter of Intent (LOI) would be issued within 21 days of receiving consent from farmers. Earlier, the government had proposed an annual advance payment of Rs 50,000 per acre until development begins, which has now been increased to Rs 1 lakh per acre.
- PTC NEWS
