Punjab Cabinet’s Masterstroke: Green Signal to Land Pooling Policy, Boost to Urban Growth and Farmer Income
In a significant and visionary move, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has approved the much-awaited Land Pooling Policy, marking a major step forward in the state’s urban development strategy. The decision was taken during a key Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at his official residence in Chandigarh on Monday. Seen as a strategic and progressive move, especially ahead of the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election, the policy aims to align urban growth with farmer welfare—striking a crucial balance between development and equity.Housing and Urban Development Minister Aman Arora, who briefed the media after the meeting, stated that the primary goal of the Land Pooling Policy is to promote planned urbanization while ensuring farmers receive fair value for their land. Under this policy, farmers will have the option to voluntarily contribute their land for urban development projects.
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They can choose from three options:
1. Directly hand over land to the government
2. Partner with private developers
3. Collaboratively form a group to execute development projects themselves
In the first phase, the policy will be implemented in 27 major cities across Punjab. These areas will see the structured development of residential, commercial, and industrial zones through land pooling mechanisms. The government believes this initiative will not only lead to systematic urban growth but will also enhance farmer incomes, making them active stakeholders in Punjab’s transformation. The policy promises to provide farmers with either developed plots in return or adequate compensation, along with opportunities to participate in the development process. The Land Pooling Policy is being hailed as one of the flagship projects of the Punjab government, with the potential to reshape the state’s urban landscape while ensuring economic empowerment for its agrarian community.