The AAP government in Punjab has retracted its land pooling policy due to strong resistance from opposing political parties and agricultural organizations. Despite the government’s vigorous defence of the policy, the Punjab and Haryana High Court recently issued an interim stay on its execution for four weeks.

Under the policy that has now been annulled, a landowner was to receive a residential plot of 1,000 square yards and a commercial plot of 200 square yards in fully developed land in exchange for one acre of land.

On Monday evening, the principal secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Development said, “The government hereby withdraws the land pooling policy dated May 14 and its subsequent amendments.” “Consequently, all actions, like letters of intent issued, registration done, or any other action taken thereunder shall be reversed henceforth,” according to the statement.

On August 7, the high court, while ordering an interim stay on the policy, had held that it appears to have been notified in haste and concerns, including social impact assessment and environmental impact assessment, should have been addressed before its notification.

The Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government had been facing flak from the opposition parties and various farmer bodies, which dubbed the land pooling policy a “looting” scheme aimed at “robbing” farmers of their land.

The Shiromani Akali Dal, the BJP and the Congress, among others, had held multiple protests against the policy while various farmer bodies, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, had also planned demonstrations and protests.

The AAP had hit out at the opposition parties for spreading “propaganda” against the state government’s policy, with party leaders describing it as “farmers-friendly”.

The state government had planned to acquire around 65,000 acres of land in 164 villages, including in Ludhiana, to develop residential and industrial zones.

It had earlier assured people that not a single yard of land would be forcibly acquired from the owners and had emphasised that the policy was designed to foster transparent and planned urban development across the state.