Punjab Withdraws Land Pooling Policy 2025 Amid Farmer Protests & Court Order

Key Takeaways:

• Punjab government officially withdraws Land Pooling Policy 2025 after backlash.
• Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed the policy, citing lack of environmental and social impact studies.
• Farmers’ protests and AAP internal dissent forced the U-turn.
• 65,533 acres of land (46,861 acres in Ludhiana) were to be acquired under the policy.

Why Did Punjab Withdraw the Land Pooling Policy 2025?

1. High Court’s Strong Opposition

The Punjab and Haryana High Court slammed the government for:

• No environmental or social impact assessment before implementation.
• No rehabilitation plan for landless laborers affected by the policy.
• Acquisition of fertile agricultural land, risking food security.

2. Massive Farmer Protests Across Punjab

• Farmers held statewide motorcycle rallies demanding policy withdrawal.
• All major political parties and farmer unions opposed the move.
• Protests intensified after the AAP government initially defended the policy.

3. Internal AAP Rebellion & Political Pressure

• Several AAP leaders resigned or criticized the policy.
• Party feared major electoral backlash in upcoming elections.
• CM Bhagwant Mann initially claimed farmers supported the policy but later backtracked.

What Was Punjab’s Land Pooling Policy 2025?

• Aimed to acquire 65,533 acres (mostly in Ludhiana) for infrastructure projects.
• Promised farmers stakeholder status in development schemes, but lacked transparency.
• Critics argued it favored corporates over farmers.

Government’s Sudden U-Turn

• Housing & Urban Development Department issued a notice scrapping all actions under the policy.
• All LOIs (Letters of Intent) and land registrations canceled.
• AAP spokesperson Neel Garg said: “If farmers oppose it, we won’t impose it.”

What Happens Next?

• Farmers celebrate victory, but uncertainty remains on future land policies.
• Will AAP propose a revised policy? Or avoid similar reforms?
• Legal and political implications for Punjab’s development plans.

Final Verdict:

The withdrawal of Punjab Land Pooling Policy 2025 proves the power of farmers’ movements and judicial oversight in shaping policy. The AAP government’s quick reversal highlights rising agrarian influence in Punjab politics.