In a public outreach in Patiala under the ‘AAP Sarkar, Aapke Dwaar’ initiative, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann set the record straight on the state’s land pooling policy, branding it as a transformative tool to empower farmers, curb illegal colonization, and usher in transparent urban development.
Amidst swirling “misinformation” allegedly propagated by opposition parties, Mann delivered a clear message: “No land will be taken without consent. We’re not here to grab land — we’re here to plan with you, not for you.”
Taking a firm stand against decades of exploitative land practices, the Chief Minister accused previous Congress and Akali governments of collusion with colonizers. “Illegal colonies mushroomed under their rule. Leaders like Sukhbir Singh Badal passed layouts quietly, shared them with their coterie, and profited off the land of farmers while the public was left in the lurch. That loot raj is over.”
Mann explained that land pooling is a farmer-friendly alternative to forced land acquisition, designed to ensure voluntary participation and substantial returns. Under this model, landowners willingly contribute their land for development and, in exchange, receive fully developed plots with significantly higher market value. For every acre of land pooled, the contributor is allotted a 1,000 square yard residential plot and a 200-square yard commercial space in prime, planned urban areas. All infrastructure development — including roads, drainage, electricity, and water supply — is undertaken by the government at no cost to the landowners.
Emphasizing the economic advantage, Mann stated, “If your land is worth Rs one crore per acre today, the developed property you'll receive will be worth Rs three to four crore. You can keep it, lease it for regular income, or sell it as you wish.” The policy is anchored in transparency, legal protection, and mutual benefit, ensuring farmers are not only equal stakeholders but also direct beneficiaries in Punjab’s future urban growth.
Targeting the unregulated growth of colonies without basic amenities, Mann emphasized his government’s intent to redevelop them with dignity. “People have been living for years without sewage, drinking water, or power — abandoned by builders who made money and vanished. We will not only regularize but also upgrade these colonies.”
Mann didn’t mince words while naming opponents of the policy. He singled out Akali leader Manpreet Singh Ayali, accusing him of shielding vested interests. “Ayali and others are not protecting farmers — they’re protecting their own real estate deals. This policy threatens their shadow empires.”