Punjab's Land Pooling Scheme Sparks Farmer Unrest and Oppposition Backlash

The Punjab government's ambitious land pooling scheme, aimed at giving a push to planned urban development, has received a lukewarm response from farmers. Despite the AAP government's efforts to sweeten the deal by offering increased compensation and benefits, farmers and opposition parties have expressed strong opposition to the policy, dubbing it a "looting scheme" and "anti-peasantry." The government plans to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns, but only 115 landowners have come forward to adopt the scheme.

Key Takeaways:

• The land pooling scheme aims to acquire 65,533 acres of land for industrial and residential zones, the largest acquisition since 1966.
• The policy has been criticized by farmer unions, who have termed it a "looting scheme" and "anti-peasantry."
• The government has approved amendments to the scheme, offering better terms to landowners, including a fivefold increase in annual compensation and the option to sell or purchase land at any time.
• The opposition parties, including Congress, SAD, and BJP, have launched attacks against the policy, calling it "impractical" and "exploitative."
• Estimated 23,000 acres have been proposed to be acquired in Ludhiana, with 7,300 acres in Mohali.
• The opposition parties fear that the policy will lead to corruption and exploitation of farmers.
• Chief Secretary KAP Sinha has defended the policy, stating that it will create a land bank for long-term development and offer affordable housing to the middle class.

Statistics:

• 65,533 acres of land to be acquired across 21 cities and towns.
• 115 landowners have come forward to adopt the scheme.
• 23,000 acres proposed to be acquired in Ludhiana, the maximum in the state, with 7,300 acres in Mohali.
• The policy plans to offer a fivefold increase in annual compensation to landowners.
• An estimated 1,000 square yards of residential land and 120 square yards of commercial land will be offered per acre acquired.
• 90% of landowners in Ludhiana have registered their opposition to the policy.

Sources:

• "Punjab land pooling scheme: AAP government sweetens deal for farmers with increased compensation and benefits" by Hindustan Times.
• "Punjab needs planned development in cities: Chief Secretary" by Hindustan Times.
• "Punjab land pooling scheme: Opposition attacks AAP government over 'anti-peasantry' and 'looting scheme'" by Hindustan Times.
• "Only 115 landowners have come forward to adopt the land pooling scheme" by Hindustan Times.