Punjab Cabinet Approves Land Pooling Policy Amid Tiff with Farmers
In a move aimed at curbing illegal colonization, the Punjab Council of Ministers has approved the long-pending Land Pooling Policy, despite ongoing tensions with farmer groups and criticism from various Opposition parties. The policy, which was approved on Monday, allows farmers to voluntarily offer their land for development, in exchange for a residential plot and a commercial site equivalent to one acre of land.
The Land Pooling Policy has been a contentious issue in Punjab for several years, with farmer groups and opposition parties accusing the state government of trying to acquire fertile agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. The policy was first proposed in 2017, but it has been stuck in limbo due to opposition from various quarters.
Under the policy, farmers can offer their land for development, which will then be used for creating infrastructure, industrial areas, or residential colonies. In return, the farmers will receive a residential plot of 50 square yards and a commercial site of 100 square yards, equivalent to one acre of land.
The policy aims to address the issue of illegal colonization, which has been a major concern in Punjab. Illegal colonies have mushroomed across the state, leading to issues related to infrastructure, law and order, and environmental degradation.
However, farmer groups have been strongly opposed to the policy, citing concerns that it will lead to the acquisition of fertile agricultural land and displacement of farmers. They have also demanded that the policy should only be implemented after conducting a thorough survey of the land and ensuring that the farmers are fairly compensated.
The opposition parties, including the Congress and the AAP, have also criticized the policy, saying that it will benefit only a select few and will not address the issues faced by the majority of farmers. They have also accused the state government of trying to push through the policy in a hurry, without consulting the farmers and other stakeholders.
The Punjab Cabinet’s decision to approve the policy has come as a surprise to many, given the ongoing tensions with farmer groups and opposition parties. The state government had earlier agreed to hold consultations with the farmers and other stakeholders before finalizing the policy, but it appears that these consultations have not taken place.
In a statement, the Punjab Government said that the policy will help to curb illegal colonization and ensure that the land is used for development purposes. It also claimed that the policy will benefit the farmers, who will receive a residential plot and a commercial site in lieu of one acre of land.
However, farmer groups are not convinced and have threatened to launch agitations if the policy is implemented. They have demanded that the state government should withdraw the policy and instead focus on addressing the issues faced by the farmers, such as lack of irrigation facilities, poor agricultural infrastructure, and low crop prices.
The Punjab Government’s decision to approve the Land Pooling Policy has also sparked concerns about the state’s agricultural sector. The sector is already reeling under the impact of climate change, lack of irrigation facilities, and poor agricultural infrastructure. The acquisition of fertile agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes will only add to the woes of the farmers.
In conclusion, the Punjab Cabinet’s decision to approve the Land Pooling Policy amid tiff with farmers is a step in the wrong direction. The policy is likely to benefit only a select few and will not address the issues faced by the majority of farmers. The state government should withdraw the policy and instead focus on addressing the issues faced by the farmers. The future of agriculture in Punjab hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the state government takes a more farmer-friendly approach.
News Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/punjab-cabinet-approves-land-pooling-policy-amid-tiff-with-farmers/
