Punjab's Land Pooling Policy: A Path to Sustainable Development?

In a move to enhance sustainable development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reaffirmed the importance of stakeholder feedback, including from farmers, on the state's land pooling policy. Chief Minister Mann emphasized the government's intention to foster planned growth while ensuring that the policy reflects the people's will.

The land pooling policy has been met with criticism from opposition parties and farmer groups, who allege it unfairly targets farmers' productive lands. Ruling party leaders, however, maintain that the policy is supportive of farmers. Mann stressed that under the policy, landowners would not be forcibly dispossessed but instead compensated with developed plots.

Mann also addressed past political misalignments, accusing Congress leaders of enabling criminal activity, which now threatens them. The chief minister further highlighted his administration's commitment to continuing the legacy of Sikh Gurus by advancing Punjab's development, ensuring peace and brotherhood within the community.

(With inputs from agencies.)