AAP Defends Land Pooling Policy Amid Opposition Criticism

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has publicly defended its land pooling policy in Punjab, responding to criticism from opposition parties. On October 25, 2023, AAP state president Aman Arora stated that previous master plans and notifications issued during the tenure of the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party (SAD-BJP) government facilitated the development of residential zones that primarily benefited private developers. Arora highlighted that many of these projects were later found to lack essential civic amenities and were deemed unauthorized.

Arora emphasized that the current AAP government’s initiative aims for planned development that involves farmers as stakeholders. “When AAP has taken the initiative for planned development through its land pooling policy, specifically designed to make farmers stakeholders, the same opposition parties are making baseless allegations against us,” he stated. He pointed out that the previous government’s designation of residential and commercial zones seemed to prioritize developers over community needs.

The AAP leader described the land pooling policy as the most farmer-friendly and flexible in the country. Under this policy, farmers have the option to collaborate and develop a group housing project or a colony on a minimum of 50 acres. Alternatively, they can choose to continue cultivating their land. Those who participate in the scheme will receive both commercial and residential plots in exchange.

In a recent development, the Punjab cabinet made amendments to the land pooling policy, incorporating feedback from landowners. Changes include extending eligibility to landowners with less than one acre and allowing them to maintain their agricultural activities until the government takes possession of the land.

Arora’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about land use and development strategies in Punjab. The AAP’s commitment to involving farmers in the planning process contrasts sharply with the criticisms leveled by opposition parties, who accuse the party of neglecting broader community needs in favor of political interests.

As the policy evolves, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact landowners and the agricultural landscape of Punjab. The AAP continues to advocate for a model that prioritizes the interests of farmers, claiming that planned development can lead to sustainable growth and improved living conditions for communities across the state.