Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said that the land pooling policy is being wrongly criticised by the Opposition and farmer groups. He clarified that no farmer would be forced to give up their land and that the entire process is voluntary.
Speaking at a gathering of village heads in Dhuri, the CM said the government will ensure fair compensation for the farmers who choose to take part in the scheme. He also mentioned that the policy will help in the development of proper residential areas and stop the sale of land in illegal colonies that lack basic facilities.
CM Mann said the Opposition is only criticising the policy to create confusion. He firmly stated, “We will not take any land without the farmer’s consent.”
The Opposition, especially the Congress, has accused the AAP government of working with builders to grab farmers’ land without proper compensation. Congress leader Amrinder Raja Warring said the government is trying to avoid giving compensation under the Land Acquisition Act and instead plans to give land to private companies to fund its schemes.
The state government plans to develop over 65,000 acres of land under the policy, including areas around Ludhiana. CM Mann explained that for every acre given, a farmer will receive a 1,000 sq yard residential plot and 200 sq yard commercial space in return.
The Chief Minister called the policy “pro-farmer” and said it will lead to planned urban development across Punjab.
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