Overview
- The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority has received government approval to acquire over 24,000 acres across more than 30 villages near Ludhiana under a land pooling scheme.
- Under the voluntary policy, landowners contributing an acre will receive a 1,000-square-yard residential plot, a 200-square-yard commercial plot and state-financed roads, drainage and utilities.
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says direct agreements and legal safeguards will formalize over 19,000 illegal colonies while ensuring transparent urban development.
- Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress leaders accuse the scheme of coercion, corruption and links to the land mafia, warning of a state-wide agitation if notifications are not withdrawn.
- SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal vows that, if elected in 2027, his party will reserve all government jobs for Punjabis and ban land purchases by outsiders.