Punjab’s villages are known not just for their fertile fields and canals, but also for their ‘Shamlat’ land – common village property that belongs to the entire community and has been passed down through generations. However, over the years, powerful builders and colonizers have illegally encroached upon these lands. Village pathways disappeared, canals and waterways were blocked, and villagers’ access routes were cut off. This stripped away villagers’ rights and weakened panchayats financially.
Now, the Punjab government has taken a major and much-needed decision to change this situation. The state cabinet has approved crucial amendments to the ‘Punjab Village Common Land Rules, 1964’. Under these changes, colonizers can no longer easily grab common village land illegally.
According to the new rules, if any colonizer encroaches on village common land, old pathways, or canals, they must pay four times the official government rate (collector rate) for that land as a heavy penalty. Half of this penalty amount (50%) will go directly to the panchayat’s account, while the other half (50%) will be deposited with the state government. This will strengthen panchayats financially and accelerate village development.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema explained that under the new rules, colonizers are also required to build alternative roads and canals for villagers at their own expense, with direct benefits going to the panchayat. This ensures that no one can suppress villagers’ rights anymore.
Previously, money from selling such land was kept only as fixed deposits in panchayats with limited usage. Now, the new rules will not only provide financial benefits to villages but also essential infrastructure like new roads and canals. The government is ensuring these facilities remain completely secure for villagers.
A 2022 survey by the Panchayat Department revealed that colonizers had illegally occupied over 100 acres of common land in Punjab, with 85 private colonies having altered canals and waterways. This new amendment ensures such encroachments are properly addressed for the benefit of villagers and panchayats.
At a time when illegal encroachments plague villages, these new rules bring fresh hope, new rights, and financial prospects for villagers. The Punjab government’s step clearly shows that villagers’ rights and panchayats’ economic strength are its top priority.
