Latest news with #AmanArora
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab cabinet approves land pooling policy
CHANDIGARH : The Punjab Cabinet on Monday gave its nod to the Land Pooling Policy with Cabinet minister Aman Arora asserting that not even a single yard will be forcibly acquired from land owners. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann , was held here. After the meeting, renewable energy minister Arora slammed the opposition parties for allegedly misleading people about the state government's Land Pooling Policy for the past several days. Arora claimed that there is no better Land Pooling Policy than this one, not only in the state but also in the country. Pointing towards the opposition parties, Arora said they were trying to mislead people about the Policy that farmers' land will be forcibly acquired by the state government. "I want to make it clear that not even a single yard will be acquired (by the state government)," he said, adding that the Cabinet approved the Land Pooling Policy. Under this policy, land owners can give their land either to the state government or a builder or they can develop the land on their own, he said. In the first phase, this Policy will be implemented in 27 big cities, the minister said while speaking to reporters here. Attacking the previous governments, Arora alleged that they framed such policies which only benefited the land mafia and promoted vested interests. Giving details, Arora said under this Policy, a land owner will be given a 1,000 square yards of residential plot and a 200 square yards of commercial plot in fully-developed land in lieu of one acre of land. He further said if anybody contributes nine acres of land, he will be given three acres of land for developing a group housing. It meant that one-third of pooled land will be returned to the land owner, he said. Opposition parties and some farmer groups have been targeting the AAP government, claiming that it has proposed to acquire 24,311 acres of land in Ludhiana to develop new urban estates. The state government had earlier said the Land Pooling Policy was designed to foster transparent and planned urban development across the state.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab cabinet clears ‘voluntary' land pooling policy for 27 cities
Chandigarh: Amid criticism by opposition parties and some farmer groups, the Punjab cabinet on Monday approved a new land pooling policy aimed at curbing illegal colonies and the land mafia, while ensuring direct profit for farmers. Minister Aman Arora assured that not even "one square yard of land will be forcibly acquired" and the "participation would be entirely voluntary". T he scheme will initially be rolled out in 27 cities in the state. Slamming the opposition parties for allegedly misleading people about the policy, Arora said, "Attempts have been made to confuse landowners, but it's the best one drafted anywhere in the country. Farmers will have the freedom to decide whether to hand over their land to the state or a builder, or to develop it themselves. Unlike previous governments that banned the sale and purchase of notified land—often to benefit the land mafia and political leaders—those restrictions have now been removed. " Additionally, the policy offers compensation of Rs 30,000 per acre annually during the three-year development phase, with the govt aiming to complete the process within 1 to 1.5 years, wherever feasible. "Under this policy, the farmers have the option to turn into developers and entrepreneurs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60 m² Prefab Bungalow for Seniors in Qsyr Almarnh Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo It's a self-sustaining model and infrastructure like the outer roads and sewerage treatment plants (STPS) will be provided by the state," said Arora. The minister further said that a written consent (NOC) will be taken from farmers, and land will be given directly to the govt, not to private developers. Govt will fully develop the land and return plots to farmers and these will include all facilities like roads, electricity and water connections, sewerage pipes, streetlights, and parks. No private developers or land mafia can exploit farmers as the policy ensures that farmers are protected from exploitation by private players," he said. An official spokesperson added that the value of these plots will be up to four times the market rate. Each farmer will receive a written document from the govt, and this letter will clearly mention the farmer's full entitlement. Farmers can choose to receive two plots of 500 square yards each and they will have complete freedom to keep or sell them. The benefits are not limited to just one acre and the more land a farmer contributes, the greater the profit will be, he said. He further said the revised scheme had been rationalised to particularly benefit small and marginal farmers. "There will be additional benefits through partnership as if a farmer contributes nine acres, they will receive three acres of developed group housing land...," he said. Meanwhile, farmers in Ludhiana have been protesting against the plan to acquire over 24,000 acres of fertile agricultural land across 44 villages in their district, labelling the move a "land grab in disguise." CONDITIONAL PARTIAL SURRENDER The cabinet also approved the partial surrender and partial cancellation of licences issued to colonies under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995, as well as the partial cancellation of approvals granted to industrial park projects. A policy was notified on March 10, 2025, concerning the surrender of licences for developing colonies under the PAPRA Act and approvals for industrial parks, said the spokesperson. LUMP-SUM PAYMENTS To encourage allottees and bidders of residential, commercial, and other property plots to make lump-sum payments of 75% of the total amount, the cabinet approved a series of incentives. A 15% discount on the cost of the plot/site will be offered to allottees who make a lump sum payment. CABINET HIKES EDC, CLU CHARGES To further facilitate the state's holistic development and boost revenue generation, the cabinet approved an increase in External Development Charges (EDC), change of land use charges (CLU), licence fees (LF), and other charges applicable to real estate promoters. The last revision of these charges was notified on May 6, 2016, with a provision to increase the rates by 10% annually starting April 1. However, the govt waived the annual hike for several years. The charges have been increased from April 1, 2020, and have gone up by approximately 77% since 2016. EXISTING LAND POOLING FOR ONLY MOHALI Arora said the existing land pooling scheme was meant for only Mohali, which resulted in mushrooming of unauthorised colonies. "This policy is for the entire state… Now farmers will be given land to develop group housing. Besides, for land more than 50 acres, the landowners can develop their own colonies," he said.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sangrur court seeks minister Aman Arora's response on ‘wrong facts' in application
The district and sessions court, Sangrur, has sought a reply from cabinet minister Aman Arora on an application seeking action against him for allegedly stating wrong facts in an exemption application during a hearing held on Friday in a 2008 assault case. As per the court order, the matter has been adjourned to June 5, for the filing of his reply. Cabinet minister Aman Arora's counsel initially sought exemption from his personal appearance, citing an urgent meeting. However, a second application was subsequently moved, stating that the minister had travelled to the USA due to an emergency involving his daughter. The counsel clarified that the first application was moved inadvertently and under a bona fide impression, and that the true facts came to his notice later. The court had exempted Arora's presence for the day. The order reads, 'Since the case is fixed only for consideration on the application under Section 362, read with Section 389 CrPC, and not for arguments on the main appeal, therefore, presence of appellant is exempted for today only.' However, the counsel for the complainant, Rajinder Deepa, moved an application seeking appropriate action against Arora for stating wrong facts in the exemption application. The court granted an adjournment for Arora's counsel to file a reply to this. Arora's counsel Yogesh Gupta confirmed that the court had exempted Arora's presence for a day and that the case has been adjourned to June 5 for reply on the application filed by complainant. The case pertains to a 2008 incident in which Arora's brother-in-law, Rajinder Deepa, had accused Arora and nine other persons of forcibly entering his house in Sunam and assaulting him.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Water dispute: AAP ministers welcome HC notice to Haryana, BBMB
Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including the ministers in the Bhagwant Mann govt, on Wednesday welcomed the Punjab and Haryana high court 's notice to Haryana regarding its demand for additional water and called it a "favourable development".AAP leaders and ministers reacted to the high court's decision on their X accounts with the hashtag ' Punjab Da Pani, Punjab Da Haq '. AAP Punjab president Aman Arora wrote: "The BJP and the BBMB's high-handedness ends. The high court has asked the BBMB to explain why Haryana needs additional water. Under the leadership of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, it is not just difficult but impossible to rob Punjab's rights."Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the high court heard Punjab's voice and questioned Haryana and the BBMB. "The Mann govt's fight for Punjab's rights will continue. We will not let anyone rob Punjab's rights at any cost," he Harbhajan Singh said the high court, by asking Haryana and the BBMB to explain why Haryana needs additional water, validated the chief minister's claims regarding Punjab's water, and it was entirely in favour of Singh's cabinet colleague Ravjot Singh said by hearing Punjab's petition and asking for clarification from Haryana and the BBMB, the high court strengthened Punjab's minister, Baljit Kaur, said: "Truth has prevailed. The loot of Punjab's rights will no longer be tolerated. The honourable high court has granted justice to Punjab on the water issue and has sought clarification from the BBMB. The BJP-led central govt's bullying will not work in Punjab."
India.com
09-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
India-Pakistan War: Punjab Shuts All Educational Institutes, Cancels Exams
Chandigarh: Amid heightened tension, Punjab, which shares a 532-km border with Pakistan, has ordered closure of all educational institutes and cancelled exams. I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University in Jalandhar on Friday said that with the approval of the competent authority, it added that the end semester examinations being held has been postponed until notice due to unforeseen circumstances. The revised schedule for the examinations will be announced at least five days prior to the new date of commencement, it said. The state government has set up a control room for the convenience of people. It can be reached out at landline phone numbers 0172-2741803 and 0172-2749901. State Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that in view of the evolving situation, "it is hereby ordered that all schools, colleges, and universities -- government, private, and aided -- across entire Punjab would remain completely closed for the next three days. On Thursday night, blackouts were reported in six border districts of Punjab -- Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran, where Pakistani drones attempted to infiltrate." In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, authorities declared closure of all schools till Saturday. The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday neutralised a Pakistani intruder in the Ferozepur sector. The intruder, yet to be identified, was gunned down in the early morning hours of Friday while crossing the International Border between India and Pakistan. The intruder was spotted trying to infiltrate near a gate adjacent to Lakha Singh Wala BSF post. Amid soaring tensions between India and Pakistan, people in some border villages of Punjab have started moving to safer places. Villagers settled in Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts close to the International Border began shifting their belongings to safer places despite the BSF, the Indian Army and even the local civil authorities not having issued any official evacuation orders. The leave of all Punjab Police personnel was also cancelled. Punjab Aam Aadmi Party Chief Aman Arora said the state government and all three crore Punjabis stand firmly with the Indian Army. Arora added that the Punjab Police, as the "second line of defence," is also fully prepared. "The state's police force will join the Indian Army in every battle to deliver a crushing response to any Pakistani attack." Punjab shares a 532-km-long border with Pakistan. Therefore, during any military tension, the role of the Punjab government and its security and law enforcement agencies becomes extremely crucial. The state government also appealed to the people of Punjab to strictly adhere to all government orders and guidelines to ensure there is no risk to public safety.
