arora-defends-land-pooling-policy-slams-opposition

Punjab Cabinet Minister and state president Aman Arora has supported the state government’s new land pooling policy, calling out the Opposition for their double standards.

 

Speaking to mediapersons at Punjab Bhawan, Arora said the framework for the current land pooling policy was first introduced by the previous SAD-BJP government. “Now they are opposing it for political reasons,” he said.

 

“The same parties had approved master plans for cities like Mohali, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Hoshiarpur, which paved the way for private developers to build colonies. These developments lacked proper civic infrastructure, and over 20,000 acres were encroached upon without accountability,” Arora further stated.

 

“The new policy aims to ensure transparency and fair development. It promotes planned urban growth and benefits landowners by allowing them more flexibility and participation,” he further said.

 

He also blamed the earlier governments for favouring defaulter builders who didn’t deliver basic services such as sewage systems and street lighting. Questioning their opposition to current reforms, he asked, “If Mohali deserves proper planning, so do Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, and Tarn Taran,” the minister added.

 

He explained that under the new policy, landowners will have flexibility and options. They can opt to develop land independently in partnership with the government or collaborate with private developers.

 

“The policy does not restrict land transactions. It also includes financial support— ₹50,000 per acre per year is offered and an additional ₹1 lakh on possession and the option to exchange residential and commercial plots,” Arora added.

 

Calling the criticism from SAD, BJP and the Congress misleading, Arora demanded an apology from the Opposition. “The new land pooling policy is public-centric and farmer-friendly,” he said.

 

The state government has stated that under the new policy, the owner will get 1,000 square yards of residential plot and a 200-square-yard commercial plot in fully developed land to compensate for one acre of land.