LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced the “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” initiative to provide agricultural land on lease to approximately 50,000 farmers at a highly subsidized rate of Rs100 per acre per year. This scheme aims to assist landless individuals and encourage agricultural development throughout the province.
Eligibility Criteria:
– Applicants must be either landless or own a residential plot of no more than 10 marlas.
– Must be a permanent resident of the same revenue estate where the land is located.
– Only one individual per family may apply for a single land allotment.
– Those who have previously benefited from any government land allotment or leasing program are ineligible.
– Employees of federal or provincial government departments, autonomous organizations, or corporations, along with their dependents, cannot apply.
Application Process:
– Applications can be submitted online via the Punjab Enterprise Land Record Authority (PELRA) portal or manually at the Assistant Commissioner’s office once the official schedule is released.
– All applications will undergo scrutiny by a designated committee. After approval from the district collector, the list of eligible candidates will be made available online and at the Assistant Commissioner’s office.
Selection Method:
– Successful applicants will be chosen through a computerized lottery system.
– The final list will be published online and displayed at relevant government offices.
– Once approved by the district collector, land allotment orders will be issued, and possession will be handed over accordingly.
Lease Conditions and Payments:
– Lease term: 10 years
– Annual rent: Rs100 per acre
– The first year’s rent must be paid within 30 days of taking possession.
– Future payments are due annually by January 15.
– Non-payment of rent for over six months may lead to lease cancellation after a hearing.
Land Use Regulations:
– The leased land must solely be used for farming purposes.
– Construction of permanent structures on the land is prohibited.
Ownership and Transfer Rules:
– The government retains ownership of the land.
– Leaseholders do not acquire ownership rights and are prohibited from transferring, mortgaging, or subleasing the land.
– Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure adherence to lease conditions.
This scheme is part of the government’s larger strategy to strengthen agriculture, create employment opportunities, and support small-scale farmers across Punjab.
