Click to play videoLudhiana, Punjab: The Punjab’s government idea of development is buying agricultural land for industry but giving farmers no say in what price should they get for their plots.
On November 8, angry farmers in Barnala clashed with the police during a protest against the government’s land acquisition policy. The government has taken over 250 acres from 98 farmers of three villages—not for a railway track or a highway but for industrial group Trident.
Farmers say they were offered measly rates for their land and no choice in whether they wanted to sell. "I don't want to sell my land for any amount of money but was not given a choice. My children are dying of hunger now," says farmer Baldev Singh.
"We did not know that our land was being sold. One day we found wires around our fields. The English were better; these people are worse. They are looting us," says a farmer.
Protesting farmers were jailed. “The government has taken away our land and snatched of our livelihood. Farmers haven't accepted any money for their land and now they are in jail,” says farmer leader Jogendra Singh, of the Ugraha Bharatiya Kisan Union.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh claims the farmers arrested were trying to occupy legitimately sold land. “These are all Leftist farmers. If they want to create law and order problem, they cannot," he says.
As farmer protests continued, Amarinder went on a Vikas Yatra (Progress March) to tom, tom his government’s achievements.
By achievements the government means manufacturing, industrial parks, multiplexes, hotels and real estate. It labels them mega projects and gives them mega concessions, including the land they are built on.
“We have attracted investment worth Rs 86,000 crore and given jobs to 90,000 people,” says Amarinder.
But critics say none of these claims reflect on the state's growth figures. Investment in manufacturing stands at roughly Rs 11 thousand crore, but it is just is one third of that in real estate, which is getting Rs 37 thousand crore. The employment potential in both sectors is barely 3 lakh people.
Even in manufacturing sector, the government’s claims look dubious. Milk Specialists of Patiala claims that with an investment of Rs 120 crore but generate just 50,000 jobs.
As much as 300 acres of farmland has been leased to Field Fresh of the Bharti Group on cheap rates without even inviting bids from other players.
The group says it will provide 91,000 jobs, but agriculture experts claim the land can give jobs to 5000 people at best.
Farmers don't have a choice when the government gives out their land to industrial groups. That’s the reason they are protesting across the state, demanding market prices for their land and a stake in the development process.
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