Punjab Withdraws Land Pooling Policy After Protests

Chandigarh — In a significant policy reversal, the Punjab Cabinet has decided to withdraw the Land Pooling Policy 2025, a scheme that had sparked strong opposition from farmers and rural communities across the state. The decision, announced after a cabinet meeting in Chandigarh on Thursday, is being widely seen as a direct response to weeks of persistent protests.

The Land Pooling Policy 2025 was originally introduced as a way to acquire agricultural land for infrastructure and urban development projects by pooling parcels from multiple owners. The government’s plan aimed to offer developed plots and potential compensation in exchange for the land contributed, arguing that it would create a fairer alternative to outright acquisition.

However, from the moment it was proposed, the policy faced fierce resistance from farmers’ unions. Many landowners feared the plan would lead to loss of livelihood, undervaluation of their property, and erosion of agricultural heritage. Critics also claimed that the “pooling” mechanism could still pressure small farmers into giving up land, even if the process was framed as voluntary.

Over the past several weeks, farmer groups organized rallies, dharnas, and road marches in districts like Mohali, Ludhiana, and Bathinda. Demonstrators accused the government of prioritizing corporate and urban interests over those of rural communities. They also argued that land in Punjab, already limited, was crucial not just for livelihood but also for sustaining the state’s agricultural identity.

The movement gained momentum as it drew support from not only farmer organizations but also village councils and youth groups. Social media campaigns amplified the voices of protesters, spreading awareness beyond the state and drawing attention from national political leaders.

Following Thursday’s decision, farmer leaders described the rollback as a “people’s movement victory.” One prominent union representative said, “This is not just about a policy, it’s about respect for the farmer’s role in Punjab’s economy and culture. We showed that when we stand united, our voices cannot be ignored.”

Government officials, while rescinding the policy, maintained that the intention behind it was to modernize land use and promote development without resorting to forceful acquisition. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the government would continue to explore other frameworks for infrastructure expansion that protect farmers’ rights and interests.

Experts believe the withdrawal may have political ripple effects ahead of future elections, particularly in rural constituencies where land issues are deeply personal. The episode has also reignited a broader conversation about the balance between development and preserving Punjab’s agrarian base.

For now, farmers across the state are celebrating. In villages from Malwa to Majha, community gatherings have been held to mark the announcement. While the road ahead for land reform in Punjab remains complex, this decision has reaffirmed, for many, the power of grassroots mobilization in shaping government policy.