Chandigarh, July 22: A big decision was taken regarding the land pooling policy in the cabinet meeting of the Punjab government today (22 July). The government has decided that in land pooling, the government will give Rs 1 lakh annually to the farmers until they are given possession of the plot. If there is a delay in this, then this amount will be increased by 10 percent every year. At the same time, until the area is developed, the farmers will be able to do farming on it.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, while talking to journalists after the cabinet meeting, said that the opposition parties are spreading rumors about land pooling. No registration of any kind has been stopped. We are not forcibly taking land from farmers. Our effort is that the money for the land should go to the real landowners. He said that the rent given to the farmer has been increased 5 times. A check of Rs 50,000 will also be given on agreeing to join the scheme.
CM said that we have made a plan for those farmers whose land is to be acquired which is less than one acre. They are given plots for that. If a person does not want to take a commercial plot, then his residential area will be increased. Under the scheme, farmers are to be given land in exchange for land.
The government has taken feedback regarding the scheme
The Punjab government has taken the issue of land pooling seriously. Many Panchs and Sarpanchs of the state have been met in Chandigarh. Also, feedback has been taken about the scheme. After this, some changes have also been made in the scheme. Opposition parties have been attacking the government on this issue.
Big rallies have also been organized on this issue by the Congress and the Akali Dal. At the same time, CM Bhagwant Mann has had to clarify his program regarding the land pooling policy. It is being linked to crisis management. In such a situation, the government does not want to let any other party do politics on this issue.
Letter of Intent in 21 days, ₹50,000 annual advance
According to the government, a “Letter of Intent” will be issued within 21 days to the farmers from whom the consent letter will be received. Also, an annual advance of ₹50,000 will be given on every acre, till the development work starts.
During a program in Dhuri, CM Mann had said that increasing this amount is also being considered. The strong point is that the farmers will be able to continue farming on their land and the full benefit from it will also be theirs.
This approach is being seen as a balance between urban development and farmer rights, through which the government also wants to control opposition politics.