In a significant step toward structured urban growth, the Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Monday approved a forward-looking Land Pooling Policy aimed at encouraging sustainable and organized development across the state.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting convened at the Chief Minister’s official residence.
A representative from the CM Office stated that this new policy seeks to actively engage landowners, developers, and companies as collaborative partners in the state’s development framework. The revamped scheme offers better incentives for landowners—especially small and marginal farmers—by providing them with more flexible options. This is expected to promote group housing and systematic development, ultimately benefiting the broader population. The policy’s inclusive approach ensures that all stakeholders are part of the growth process.
Described as a transformative policy for Punjab, it is set to deliver major advantages to farmers. It guarantees an end to their exploitation, ensuring that farmers receive substantial financial benefits—amounting to crores of rupees. By keeping private developers and land mafias out of the equation, the policy ensures complete protection for farmers.
Farmer-Centric and Voluntary Participation
Crucially, the policy gives absolute control to farmers—whether or not they wish to hand over their land to the government is entirely their decision. There will be no forced land acquisition. Farmers retain the right to continue agriculture or sell their land as they wish. Development will proceed only after the farmer’s written No-Objection Certificate (NOC) is obtained. Land will be transferred directly to the government, not to private developers.
After development, the land will be returned to the farmers in the form of fully equipped plots—with roads, water and electricity connections, sewer lines, street lighting, and parks. The value of these plots could be up to four times the original market value. Farmers will also receive a formal document detailing their entitlements. Each farmer may opt for two plots of 500 square yards, with complete freedom to retain or sell them. Larger contributions of land will result in proportionally greater returns.
Partnership-Based Model with Additional Benefits
The policy introduces a collaborative model where larger contributions bring even more benefits. For example, a farmer pooling nine acres will receive three acres of developed residential land. If a group of farmers contributes 50 acres collectively, they will receive 30 acres of fully developed land in return. The scheme also aims to eliminate illegal colonies and end land mafia activities, enforcing a strict ban on unauthorized development.