Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Clarifies Land Pooling Scheme Amid Opposition Allegations

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday firmly rebutted claims made by opposition parties regarding the state’s ongoing Land Pooling Scheme, calling the allegations “politically motivated and factually incorrect.”

Speaking at a press briefing in Mohali, CM Mann accused rival leaders of spreading “deliberate misinformation” to mislead farmers and landowners about the legal implications of the scheme. “It is being falsely propagated that land registries will be suspended wherever a land pooling notification is issued. This is absolutely untrue,” he stated.

The Land Pooling Scheme, introduced as part of Punjab’s urban development push, allows landowners to voluntarily contribute land to the government for planned development in return for developed plots and incentives. However, the initiative has faced criticism from opposition parties who allege that it may lead to indirect land seizure and loss of ownership rights.

CM Mann strongly dismissed such concerns, emphasizing that the scheme is completely voluntary and not a backdoor to land acquisition. “Let me make it clear — if a farmer or landowner chooses not to participate, their land rights remain unaffected. They can continue to cultivate and sell their land without any government interference,” he added.

The Chief Minister further clarified that in areas where the scheme is notified, it does not translate to a freeze on property registration. “Registries will continue as usual. The fear being peddled that no registration will be allowed is nothing but a lie,” Mann said.