Chandigarh: The Punjab Land Acquisition Policy has been strengthened after the Punjab Cabinet approved several amendments to increase benefits for landowners. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann chaired the Cabinet meeting, where ministers approved changes aimed at addressing farmers’ concerns and making land acquisition more beneficial.
Moreover, the government introduced several additional relief measures to encourage greater participation in land pooling projects.
Landowners to receive larger residential and commercial plots
Under the revised Punjab Land Acquisition Policy, landowners who choose both residential and commercial categories will continue to receive 1,000 square yards of residential land per acre.
However, the commercial component has increased from 200 square yards to 210 square yards per acre.
Similarly, landowners opting only for residential plots will now receive 1,630 square yards per acre, instead of the earlier 1,600 square yards.
Likewise, commercial-only projects will now provide 840 square yards per acre, up from 800 square yards.
Cabinet revises AOST Policy
The Cabinet also approved significant amendments to the AOST Policy.
According to the revised rules:
- Landowners whose acquisition covers up to one acre will receive a 200-square-yard plot.
- Those losing more than one acre and up to 2.5 acres will receive a 300-square-yard plot.
- Landowners whose acquired land exceeds 2.5 acres will become eligible for a 500-square-yard plot.
These changes aim to provide fair compensation based on the size of acquired land.
Small farmers receive additional relief
The revised Punjab Land Acquisition Policy also introduces several benefits for small farmers.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a special Letter of Intent (LoI) for eligible small farmers. It also extended the validity of the Facilitation Certificate from two years to four years.
In addition, original landowners receiving developed plots will not have to pay stamp duty or other registration charges during property registration or conveyance deed execution.
Alternatively, they may claim a stamp duty exemption while purchasing land anywhere in Punjab, up to the collector rate value of the acquired land.
Priority benefits for participating farmers
The government has also introduced several additional incentives.
Eligible landowners will receive priority tube-well connections. Moreover, farmers participating in the policy will receive preference while allotting developed plots at prime locations.
According to Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the government finalized these amendments after consulting landowners and other stakeholders.
He said the revised policy directly addresses concerns raised during consultations and offers improved benefits for farmers participating in land acquisition and land pooling projects.
Government aims to build confidence
Finally, the Punjab Government believes the revised Punjab Land Acquisition Policy will increase farmers’ confidence and ensure fair compensation.
Overall, the amendments seek to balance infrastructure development with the interests of landowners by providing better incentives, greater flexibility, and long-term financial benefits.
Key Points of the news:
- Punjab Cabinet approved major amendments to the Punjab Land Acquisition Policy.
- Landowners will receive larger residential and commercial plots under the revised policy.
- Small farmers will benefit from special Letters of Intent and longer validity of Facilitation Certificates.
- Eligible landowners will receive stamp duty exemptions and priority tube-well connections.
- The government approved the changes after consulting landowners and stakeholders.
