In a historic move aimed at empowering Punjab’s farmers, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has unveiled a revolutionary Land Pooling Policy. The policy, as articulated by AAP Kisan Wing President and MLA Jagtar Singh, promises to transform the lives of farmers by ensuring direct and substantial financial benefits while curbing land mafia activities that plagued the state under previous regimes.
The AAP leader said that under this policy, if a farmer contributes one acre of land to the government, they will receive a residential plot of approximately 1,000 sq. yards and a commercial plot of 200 sq. yards in return. The government will enhance the land with modern infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water connections, sewage systems, street lights, and parks.
Jagtar Singh said that farmers stand to gain unparalleled financial benefits. The current collector rate for agricultural land is ₹30 lakh per acre, with a market value ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹1.25 crore per acre. However, after development, the value of the residential plots provided to farmers will rise to approximately ₹3 crore (₹30,000 per sq. yard), and commercial plots to ₹1.2 crore (₹60,000 per sq. yard for 200 sq. yards).
This translates to a total value of ₹4.2 crore per acre, three to four times the current market rate, ensuring significant and direct monetary gains for farmers. Beyond financial gains, the Land Pooling Policy ensures several key benefits for farmers. It guarantees ownership, allowing farmers complete autonomy to sell, lease, or utilize their developed plots as per their preference.
Proportional benefits ensure fair returns for larger contributions; for instance, farmers contributing nine acres will receive three acres of developed land, while groups contributing 50 acres will collectively receive 30 acres, proportionally divided. Additionally, the policy offers timely compensation of ₹30,000 per acre annually during the three-year development phase, with the government aiming to complete the process within 1 to 1.5 years wherever feasible.
Jagtar Singh highlighted how the policy directly targets the longstanding exploitation by land mafias and corrupt political leaders. “Previous governments enabled land mafias to profit while farmers were left with peanuts. This policy ensures that the profits go directly into the farmers’ pockets,” Singh stated.
He also criticized false propaganda by political opponents, particularly the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Referring to allegations that the government plans to “snatch farmers’ lands,” AAP leader reassured that the policy is based entirely on farmers' consent. “No land will be acquired without the farmer’s written No Objection Certificate (NOC).
This is not the coercion of the past but a transparent and farmer-centric initiative,” he affirmed. Jagtar Singh said that the new policy incorporates robust measures to eliminate unauthorized colonies and curb illegal land developments that have long plagued Punjab.
By halting arbitrary land deals orchestrated by corrupt leaders and land mafias, the policy ensures transparency and accountability in land transactions. Furthermore, it empowers farmers with clear, legally binding agreements, safeguarding their rights and guaranteeing fair compensation for their contributions.
“This policy is a golden opportunity for Punjab’s farmers to unlock the true potential of their land. It will create a win-win situation, fostering rural prosperity while contributing to Punjab’s urban development,” said the AAP leader.