The Punjab government has decided to further enhance benefits under its Land Pooling Policy, addressing grievances of inadequate returns for landowners affected by the massive acquisition drive across Greater Mohali and New Chandigarh. The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting attended by sarpanches from villages in the Aerotropolis acquisition area. A formal notification listing the enhancements is expected shortly, according to top government functionaries.
Enhanced Plot Allotments
For every acre of agricultural land surrendered under the mixed use or general category, the commercial SCO plot allotment has been increased from 200 square yards to 210 square yards per acre, applicable on holdings of one acre and above. The residential entitlement of 1,000 square yards per acre in this category remains unchanged. For the residential category, the per-acre allotment has been raised from 1,600 square yards to 1,630 square yards, again applicable on one acre and above.
Officials noted that the combined market value of developed plots under the existing policy is already estimated at approximately Rs 16 crore per acre, more than double the current post-notification market price of land and over three times the pre-notification value of about Rs 5 crore per acre. Even a marginal increase in plot area adds substantially to the total benefit available to a farmer.
Oustee Quota Extended to Cash Compensation Optees
In one of the most significant benefits, oustee quota certificates will now be issued to all farmers whose land is being acquired, including those who have opted for or will opt for cash compensation instead of land pooling. This marks a departure from the earlier position that restricted oustee quota benefits primarily to those opting for plots.
Under the oustee category, plots will be allotted at “scheme price”. Farmers with up to half an acre under acquisition will receive a 200 square yard plot; those with between half an acre and 2.5 acres will get a 300 square yard plot; and farmers with more than 2.5 acres will receive a 500 square yard plot.
Extended Sahuliyat Certificate Validity and Tubewell Connections
The validity of the Sahuliyat Certificate, which grants stamp duty exemption when using compensation proceeds to buy alternative land anywhere in Punjab, has been proposed to be extended from two years to four years. Additionally, the window for availing priority tubewell connections, previously tied to the two-year certificate validity, has also been extended to four years. The concerned department has been directed to ensure installation of tubewell connections within two months of an application submitted along with the Sahuliyat Certificate.
Free Conveyance Deeds and Fair Plot Allotment
Conveyance deeds for original landowners will be executed free of cost, though this benefit does not extend to transferees of letters of intent. Addressing a long-standing grievance, all plots—both residential and commercial, including preferential location plots previously retained by GMADA—will now be included in the draw of lots, ensuring every farmer has an equal opportunity at a prime location.
Background of the Policy
The Tribune first reported in June 2025 that the state had notified the Land Pooling Policy proposing compulsory pooling of 65,533 acres statewide, triggering widespread farmer protests backed by the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the BJP. This was followed by an interim stay from the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the complete withdrawal of the policy in August 2025. A revised policy was introduced in November 2025, offering farmers a choice between developed plots or statutory cash compensation as part of the 11,103-acre acquisition drive.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reiterated his government’s commitment to making farmers equal partners in Punjab’s development. “We are determined to ensure no farmer who gives up his land for development walks away feeling shortchanged. Our government will ensure those contributing their land to build the Punjab of tomorrow are compensated generously. The land of our farmers is sacred to us. The development in Greater Mohali and New Chandigarh belongs to them as much as it belongs to the future,” he said.
