Punjab @ Crossroads
The Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Punjab has announced plans to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns to develop industrial and residential zones. However, *it’s my belief that industrial and residential areas typically evolve organically based on market demand rather than through government-led initiatives to create hubs.*
Punjab’s economy is predominantly agrarian, and it lacks significant mineral resources, which means that the need for specialized industrial zones near such resources is minimal. *If the goal is to foster agriculture-based industries, these can be established throughout the entire state, leveraging Punjab’s excellent agricultural landscape without the need for designated zones.*
Furthermore, Punjab is a landlocked state, which negates the necessity for creating industrial zones in the same manner that coastal regions require ports and related infrastructure for trade.* The strategy of acquiring land from farmers raises concerns and could disrupt the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture.
Rather than pursuing a large-scale land acquisition policy, it may be more beneficial to focus on supporting and enhancing existing agricultural practices and industries, allowing them to thrive naturally throughout the state.
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Mr. Manjit Singh Sandhu is an illustrious alumnus of SCD Government College Ludhiana. He served in Kendriya Vidyalaya directly joining as a Principal in Feb. 1994 and after serving at different stations got retired on superannuation in Aug. 2013.
Kendriya Vidyalayas are governed by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan under the Ministry of Education, Govt. Of India.
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