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Thenewsdose.com

Chandigarh, July 7 2025, UPDATED: 9:35 AM

In a significant escalation, several Punjab-based farmer unions have decided to launch a coordinated protest campaign against the state government’s recently expanded land pooling policy, alleging it is a veiled attempt to dispossess farmers of their fertile land in the name of development.

The farmer bodies—including constituents of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), SKM (Non-Political), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM)—have called for an all-out meeting on July 18 in Chandigarh to chart a collective course of action. Suppose the government does not withdraw or revise the policy. In that case, the unions plan to hold “flag marches” on July 30 across villages where land has been notified for pooling to develop residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

 Monetisation vs. Agriculture

The unions claim that the land pooling policy, although voluntary on paper, is part of a broader agenda to monetise Punjab’s land to boost revenue. This move could lead to the mass displacement of farmers and erosion of the state’s agrarian identity.

Sarwan Singh Pandher of KMM stated, “We are being pushed towards a future where agriculture becomes secondary and industrialisation becomes the primary focus. We cannot let that happen to Punjab’s fertile farmland.”

Harinder Singh Lakhowal of BKU (Lakhowal) called the policy “anti-farmer,” warning that displacement would not just mean physical relocation but economic marginalisation. “The Rs 30,000 per acre per annum compensation promised by the government is for three years. But the actual development of land takes anywhere from 10 to 15 years. What happens to farmers in the interim period?” he asked.

A Win-Win Policy

A senior government official defended the policy, asserting that land development would not exceed three years and that farmers are not being coerced into joining. The government has promised not just monetary compensation but residential and commercial plots in return, delivered through Letters of Intent (LoIs) that can be monetised or traded by the farmers.

The official also pointed out that the policy, piloted initially under the SAD-BJP regime in Mohali, did not face similar backlash when land pooling led to the development of four urban estates there.

 Past Experience and Present Fears

Farmer leaders, however, counter this narrative with ground-level realities. Jangvir Singh Chouhan of the Doaba Kisan Committee highlighted that in Mohali, the plots allotted to farmers were often in less desirable locations within new developments, thereby reducing the resale value and undermining the long-term benefit to the original landholders.

Further complicating the issue is a trust deficit. Many farmers fear that once land is surrendered, the promised plots might either be delayed or be allocated in non-agricultural zones unsuitable for residence or commerce.

The pushback also reflects the deep historical and emotional connection that Punjab’s farming community has with its land. In a state already grappling with agrarian distress, shrinking water tables, and youth migration, this policy is being viewed as the last straw in a broader trend of land alienation.

Development vs. Displacement

The clash over land pooling in Punjab raises broader questions about India’s approach to land reforms and urbanisation. Similar models have been tried in Telangana (Hyderabad) and Gujarat (GIFT City) with mixed success. While they can offer win-win solutions on paper, execution and transparency are crucial.

Land pooling, if poorly executed, could deepen the urban-rural divide, trigger litigation over compensation and allotment, and lead to social unrest—particularly in states like Punjab where land ownership is both an economic asset and a cultural anchor.

The current protests are not just about land; they are about the vision for Punjab’s future—whether it remains rooted in agriculture or shifts decisively towards industrial urbanism.

Consensus-Building and Clarity

To avoid a repeat of the 2020–21 farmers’ agitation, the Punjab government must consider the following steps:

1. Transparent Consultations: Involve all stakeholders—especially farmer unions, panchayats, and local cooperatives—before finalising acquisition or pooling.

2. Third-Party Valuation: Ensure fair and independent assessment of compensation and plot allocation to avoid perceptions of bias or corruption.

3. Time-Bound Delivery: Enact a clear timeline for land development and ensure that farmers receive agreed-upon benefits within the stipulated periods.

4. Safeguards for Vulnerable Farmers: Protect marginal and small farmers by offering alternatives such as leasebacks, shared development rights, or community-led cooperative housing.

5. Pilot Projects Before Statewide Rollout: Demonstrate success through model pilot areas before expanding the scheme to the entire state.

6. Legal Recourse and Arbitration: Establish a farmer-friendly dispute resolution mechanism to handle grievances swiftly and transparently.

A Tipping Point

The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the land pooling policy becomes a blueprint for inclusive development or a trigger for another prolonged agitation. As Punjab walks the tightrope between economic modernisation and agrarian preservation, the choices made now will shape not just its physical landscape, but its socio-political fabric for decades to come.