Holistic Development of Villages Will Make Punjab No.1 in India: CM Bhagwant Mann
Patiala, June 26
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday called upon Sarpanches to rise above political and factional differences and dedicate themselves to the holistic development of villages, stating that prosperous villages are the key to making Punjab the number one state in the country.
Addressing a Sarpanch Milni in Patiala, the Chief Minister made a major announcement that all Sarpanches in Punjab will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 from August 15. He also urged them to ensure transparency in the utilization of public funds, eliminate groupism, promote communal harmony, and lead campaigns to make villages drug-free, clean, green, and pollution-free.
Speaking at the gathering, Mann described Panchayats as the foundation of Indian democracy, emphasizing that they play a pivotal role in shaping rural governance.
“Panchayats possess immense authority, and their decisions are respected across villages. Every Sarpanch has a sacred responsibility to protect the interests of the people and fulfill their aspirations. Since nearly 70% of India’s population lives in villages, Panchayati Raj Institutions remain the backbone of democracy,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Panchayats act as the vital link between government policies and their implementation at the grassroots level.
“The government formulates policies, but it is the Sarpanches and Panches who ensure their successful execution in villages. I urge every Sarpanch to renew their commitment to development so that every household benefits from the government’s welfare initiatives,” he added.
₹10,000 Monthly Honorarium for Sarpanches
Announcing the enhanced honorarium, the Chief Minister said:
“From August 15, every Sarpanch will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000. Previous governments had promised ₹1,200 per month, but the promise was never fulfilled. Our government introduced an honorarium of ₹2,000, and now we are increasing it fivefold to ₹10,000.”
watch……ਜਿਹੜੇ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਅੱਗੇ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ ਕਿਸੇ ਦੇ ਵੀ ਵਫ਼ਾਦਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੇ: ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ
Transparency in Development Funds
Mann said the state government is providing adequate financial assistance for development projects and that there is no shortage of funds for village development.
He stressed that Sarpanches must personally supervise development works and ensure every rupee of taxpayers’ money is spent honestly and transparently.
“It is the moral responsibility of every Sarpanch to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently, transparently, and solely for the welfare of the people,” he said.
Call to End Groupism
Expressing concern over factional politics in villages, the Chief Minister said groupism has adversely affected rural development for years.
He urged Sarpanches to rise above political divisions and work for the collective welfare of every resident.
“In a democracy, elections produce winners and losers, but once elected, a Sarpanch represents the entire village, not a particular group. End groupism and focus on building united, prosperous villages,” he said.
The Chief Minister further appealed to village heads to spearhead campaigns against drug abuse, maintain cleanliness, promote greenery, and preserve communal harmony, asserting that the all-round development of Punjab’s villages would pave the way for making the state a national leader in rural progress.
