The Fact News Service
SAS Nagar, June 11
Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has lashed out at the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government for introducing a new land pooling policy that he termed anti-farmer, builder-friendly, and a clear betrayal of Punjab’s landowners.
Speaking at a press conference, Sidhu warned that the policy, if implemented, will massively benefit land mafias and large developers while inflicting financial devastation on small and marginal farmers—particularly those owning between 1 to 3 kanals of land.
He explained that under the earlier policy, for every 1 kanal of land, the owner received either a 200 sq. yd. residential plot or a combination of 125 sq. yd. residential and 25 sq. yd. commercial plot. However, the new policy slashes that return to just a 150 sq. yd. residential plot—resulting in a loss of 50 sq. yds. per kanal, equivalent to nearly ₹30 lakh at current GMADA rates. The actual market loss would be significantly more.
For landowners with 2 or 3 kanals, the loss increases proportionally—by 100 to 150 sq. yds. “This is not a mere amendment—it’s a well-crafted scheme to rob small landowners and reward private builders,” Sidhu said.
Sidhu also exposed another unjust clause: while farmers are being offered only a 33% return on land, big developers will receive up to 60%. “Where is the justice? Is this your model of pro-farmer governance?” he questioned, targeting the AAP government’s intentions.
He further criticized the provision that mandates registry of land before any payment or even a letter of intent. “Why should registry happen in advance? What if the government defaults on payment? What option does the farmer have then? This is nothing short of a betrayal,” he warned.
Slamming the 50-acre scheme, Sidhu alleged that it has been tailor-made for big builders and corporations that have already amassed land. “No ordinary farmer in any urban expansion area holds 50 acres. This clause has nothing to do with farmers—it’s for profiteers. Earlier, builders had to invest their own money to develop land. Now, the government will do it for them—using public funds. The estimated loss to the government is ₹324 crore for every 50 acres,” he said.
The former minister also questioned why no consultation was held with farmers before launching the policy. “If the policy was for farmers, why wasn’t a single meeting held with them? The truth is simple—this policy was drafted in closed rooms with corporate interests in mind.”
Sidhu also warned that this policy will inevitably get entangled in legal battles, as betrayed farmers are certain to challenge it in courts. “And once stuck in litigation, not only will farmers be denied their compensation for years, but they will also be unable to sell their land until the judicial process concludes. This will leave thousands of landowners in a limbo with no relief in sight,” he added.
He demanded that the policy be immediately scrapped and the earlier land pooling policy restored. “If the government does not roll this back, legal challenges and mass protests will follow. The Congress Party will firmly stand with Punjab’s farmers in their struggle for justice,” he concluded.
