Punjab finalizes rules for Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar scheme

LAHORE: The Punjab government has finalized the rules and regulations of its flagship project Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar scheme.

Under this scheme, the government will provide agricultural land on rent of only Rs 1,000 per year. The Board of Revenue Punjab has prepared a new policy for the allotment of agricultural land.

According to the documents, a maximum of five acres of land will be leased for ten years only for the purpose of farming. Using the land for residential or commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.

The beneficiaries will have to cultivate the land themselves and will not be given ownership rights. If the rent is not paid for six months, the lease will be cancelled.

Applications will be received online through the Punjab Land Records Authority and related offices, while the allotment will be done through computerized lottery. Development grants will also be provided to successful applicants.

Only one person from each family will be eligible, while government employees and previous beneficiaries have been declared ineligible.

The land will have to be returned to the government at the end of the lease period and in case of violation, the land can be taken back without any compensation.

According to officials, the scheme will promote agriculture, help rural families and provide a sustainable source of income for new farmers, making it an important initiative for self-employment in the province.