The Haryana government has unveiled a major incentive package to encourage farmers to voluntarily part with their land for the development of 10 new Industrial Model Townships (IMTs). Under the proposed industrial policy, farmers will receive a 50 per cent share in the developed land after project completion, along with an annual crop-loss compensation of Rs 1 lakh per acre for nearly four years during the development phase.
Voluntary Land Acquisition via e-Bhoomi Portal
Moving away from compulsory land acquisition, the state government has launched the e-Bhoomi portal to facilitate the purchase of land with farmers' consent. The process of securing farmers' consent is currently underway. Haryana Industries Minister Rao Narbir Singh has appealed to farmers to register on the portal or opt for the land-pooling policy.
Locations and Objectives of the IMTs
Under the 'Make in Haryana' initiative, the government plans to develop 10 IMTs across the state to create decentralised manufacturing hubs and accelerate industrial growth. Two IMTs are proposed in Ambala district — one at Naraingarh and another in Ambala city. The remaining townships will be developed in Jind, Hisar, Rohtak, Gurugram, Narnaul, Sirsa, Palwal and Rewari districts.
Key Features of the New Industrial Policy
Directly backed by the Chief Minister's Office, the IMTs are being developed under the state's new industrial policy, which aims to reduce bureaucratic delays by providing online No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and eliminating the requirement for separate Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions.
Incentives and Compensation for Farmers
Under the proposed policy, farmers who offer land for IMTs will receive 50 per cent of the developed land in return. This share will be allotted as developed residential or industrial plots, which farmers can use, sell, or trade in the open market. The government has also assured that payment for the land will be transferred to the farmer's bank account on the same day the land is registered. Additionally, farmers will receive Rs 1 lakh per acre annually as crop-loss compensation for nearly four years while the IMTs are being developed.
Challenges and Government's Persuasion Strategy
Farmers are often reluctant to part with their land due to its high market value and because losing agricultural land would deprive their families of their primary source of livelihood. To address these concerns, the government has introduced the e-Bhoomi portal for voluntary land purchase and is promoting the land-pooling policy as an alternative to compulsory acquisition.
