Punjab Government Raises Sarpanch Honorarium to Rs. 2,000 Announces Grants for Drug-Free Villages
Chandigarh, April 24, 2025
During a state-level Panchayat Diwas event, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called for village panchayats’ support in the ongoing Yudh Nasheyan Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign, announcing financial aid and development projects for drug-free villages.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister declared that villages certified as drug-free will receive Rs. 1 lakh in financial assistance and modern amenities, transforming them into model villages. He urged sarpanches to actively participate in eradicating the drug menace with public support, emphasizing that the state government has disrupted drug supply chains, imprisoned major traffickers, and confiscated their illegally acquired properties to deter others.
In a landmark decision, Mann announced a monthly honorarium of Rs. 2,000 for sarpanches, effective from their election date. Unlike past unfulfilled promises of Rs. 1,200, this honorarium will be a permanent feature, ensuring financial support for sarpanches.
The Chief Minister highlighted the pivotal role of panchayats in rural transformation, describing them as the backbone of democracy and the government’s eyes and ears at the grassroots level. He urged sarpanches to diligently serve all villagers impartially, eliminate factionalism, and prioritize development. Mann praised villages that unanimously elected panchayats, noting their commitment to harmony and progress.
Mann reiterated the state government’s dedication to rural development, with sarpanches acting as a bridge between villages and the government. He called for efforts to make villages clean, green, and pollution-free, including a statewide initiative to rejuvenate village ponds. The treated pond water will support agriculture, reducing reliance on groundwater.
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The Chief Minister noted that canal water usage for irrigation has risen from 21% to 75% under his administration, enhancing soil fertility and easing groundwater pressure. This has also stabilized power supply and revived thousands of watercourses, ensuring water reaches remote villages. Recent data indicates a one-meter rise in groundwater levels in several blocks.
Mann presented the Panchayat Advance Index Award to Gram Panchayat Baloh, District Bathinda, for excelling in village development categories. Nine other panchayats, unanimously elected panchayats, Self Help Groups, and Panchayat Secretaries were also honored for outstanding performance.
Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and other dignitaries attended the event.
