Jammu, July 3 -- The Punjab government has introduced a new land pooling policy what it claimed aimed at curbing illegal and unplanned development by involving landowners, promoters, and companies as stakeholders. Under this policy, landowners contributing land will receive developed plots in return-1,000 sq yards residential and 200 sq yards commercial per acre, with larger returns for pooling more land. Farmers are promised annual compensation of Rs.30,000 per acre for up to three years until they receive possession. The government emphasizes the voluntary nature of the policy, requiring farmers' written consent through an NOC.

However, the policy has drawn criticism from opposition parties and farmer unions. BJP's Sunil Jakhar termed ...