Punjab Land Pooling Policy Sparks Widespread Protests

The Punjab government introduced the Land Pooling Policy, 2025, aiming to acquire over 40,000 acres of farmland for planned urban development. This voluntary policy contrasts with traditional land acquisition by offering landowners developed plots in return. However, it has faced strong opposition from farmers and political parties over concerns about agricultural land loss and inadequate safeguards.

Overview of the Land Pooling Policy

The policy seeks to control illegal colonies and unplanned urban sprawl. Farmers who pool land voluntarily receive developed residential and commercial plots. For each acre pooled, landowners get a 1,000 sq yard residential and a 200 sq yard commercial plot. Larger contributions yield proportionally bigger developed land parcels, encouraging group housing. The initiative covers 27 cities, including Ludhiana, Mohali, Amritsar, and others.

Government’s Objectives and Financial Goals

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) aims to generate Rs 20,000 to 25,000 crore through this policy. The funds are expected to support welfare schemes like monthly payments to women. The voluntary pooling method is intended to speed up land acquisition and avoid lengthy legal battles typical of forcible acquisition. It also aims to keep landowners as stakeholders in urban growth.

Criticism and Opposition

Farmers and experts warn that diverting fertile farmland will reduce paddy production by approximately 1.5 lakh tons. Critics argue the policy prioritises urban expansion over agricultural sustainability. Opposition parties such as the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have launched protests, labelling the policy a land-grabbing scheme and a ponzi scheme. They claim it benefits private developers and lacks proper compensation safeguards.

Legal and Policy Concerns

The policy is based on the Punjab Regional Town Planning and Development Act, 1995. Critics point out it does not provide the comprehensive compensation and resettlement protections found in the Central Land Acquisition Act, 2013. This gap raises concerns about the rights and welfare of farmers who pool their land.

Impact on Agriculture and Urbanisation

The policy could accelerate urbanisation but at the cost of agricultural land. Punjab’s economy heavily depends on farming, especially paddy cultivation. Losing large tracts of fertile land may affect food security and rural livelihoods. Balancing urban growth and agricultural preservation remains a key challenge.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the challenges and benefits of land pooling policies in urban development with suitable examples from India.
2. Critically examine the impact of urban expansion on agricultural sustainability in India.
3. Explain the provisions of the Central Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and how they protect farmers’ rights. How do state-level policies differ in this regard?
4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of voluntary land acquisition methods in reducing legal disputes and accelerating infrastructure projects in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the challenges and benefits of land pooling policies in urban development with suitable examples from India.

1. Benefits include planned urban growth, prevention of illegal colonies, and stakeholder participation by landowners.
2. Landowners receive developed plots, ensuring compensation beyond monetary payment.
3. Challenges involve loss of fertile agricultural land and potential food security risks.
4. Examples – Punjab Land Pooling Policy (2025), Gujarat’s land pooling in Gandhinagar for planned city development.
5. Voluntary nature reduces legal disputes but may face resistance due to inadequate safeguards.
6. Risk of benefiting private developers disproportionately and inadequate resettlement provisions.

2. Critically examine the impact of urban expansion on agricultural sustainability in India.

1. Urban expansion often converts fertile farmland into residential/commercial areas, reducing cultivable land.
2. Loss of agricultural land threatens food security and farmer livelihoods, especially in agrarian states like Punjab.
3. Increased urban sprawl can lead to environmental degradation and water resource strain.
4. Examples – Punjab losing 40,000+ acres affecting paddy production; Bangalore’s urban growth impacting peri-urban farms.
5. Balancing urban infrastructure needs with agricultural preservation is a major policy challenge.
6. Unplanned urbanisation leads to haphazard growth, worsening sustainability concerns.

3. Explain the provisions of the Central Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and how they protect farmers’ rights. How do state-level policies differ in this regard?

1. The 2013 Act mandates fair compensation, social impact assessment, and rehabilitation/resettlement for affected families.
2. It requires consent from 70-80% of landowners for private projects and ensures transparency.
3. Provides legal recourse and grievance redressal mechanisms for landowners.
4. State policies like Punjab’s Land Pooling Policy may lack comprehensive compensation and resettlement safeguards.
5. State acts often prioritize rapid urban development, sometimes at the cost of farmers’ rights.
6. Differences lead to criticism over inadequate protection and potential exploitation in voluntary pooling schemes.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of voluntary land acquisition methods in reducing legal disputes and accelerating infrastructure projects in India.

1. Voluntary acquisition encourages stakeholder participation, reducing resistance and litigation delays.
2. Examples – Punjab Land Pooling Policy, Gujarat’s land pooling model, and Delhi Metro land acquisition with negotiated settlements.
3. Speeds up project timelines by avoiding protracted legal battles common in forcible acquisition.
4. Ensures landowners receive developed land or better compensation, improving acceptance.
5. Challenges remain if safeguards are weak or promises are perceived as unfair.
6. Voluntary methods can enhance trust between government and landowners, facilitating smoother urban development.