In a move aimed at empowering grassroots governance and promoting rural development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced a slew of measures, including a monthly honorarium of Rs 2,000 for Sarpanches across the State.
Calling the honorarium a “token of respect†for the vital role that village heads play in rural administration, Mann said that the amount would be disbursed from the date of oath-taking. Mann, addressing the state-level Panchayat Diwas celebrations at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh, also hinted at a potential future increase, stating, “This is just the beginning. Soon, another zero will be added to this figure.â€
The decision reverses the 2019 move that had scrapped the previous Rs 1,200 pension scheme due to legal complications. “Our predecessors only promoted nepotism – it was all about ‘my brother-in-law, my son, my relative.’ We are here to reward merit and service,†said Mann, in a veiled dig at opposition parties.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to eradicate drug menace from the state, Mann announced that villages declaring themselves drug-free would be rewarded with a special development grant of Rs one lakh. These villages will also be prioritized for infrastructural upgrades and modernization.
“The fight against drugs isn’t just the government’s battle — it’s a people's movement,†said Mann. “Panchayats must play a proactive role. The villages that achieve this milestone will be developed into model villages with state-of-the-art facilities,†he said.
Asserting that Panchayats are the “foundation of democracyâ€, the Chief Minister urged Sarpanches to function with neutrality and fairness. “You are not just heads of your factions — you are leaders of your entire villages,†he emphasized. Mann also lauded Panchayats that were elected unanimously, calling them beacons of harmony and unity. Such Panchayats were awarded Rs five lakh cheques for setting an example of consensus-driven democracy. He cautioned against groupism, saying that it hampers development. “Let us move beyond divisions. Once elected, a Sarpanch belongs to the entire village, not just to those who voted for them.â€
Among other significant announcements, Mann detailed an overhaul of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. Under the revised policy, work under the scheme will be allotted during lean periods when other employment opportunities are scarce. Panchayats will also be given the authority to approve contractor payments only after certifying the quality of infrastructure, like village roads. The Chief Minister also highlighted the ongoing success of canal water restoration projects. “When I took office, only 21 percent of the state used canal water. Today, 75 percent of our irrigation is canal-based. This not only boosts crop yields but also eases the burden on underground water reserves and electricity consumption,†he said.
In a strong pitch for environmental consciousness, Mann asked Panchayats to pass resolutions mandating the plantation of at least four trees near every motor pump. “Let’s stop fighting nature. Ganganagar, a desert, has more trees than us. We must change that,†he said.
Further boosting rural employment, the CM announced plans to issue permits for mini-bus services to village youths. Each permit will be allotted to four youths, with 30-kilometer fixed routes designed to generate local employment without political favouritism. “We want our youngsters to become job creators, not job seekers,†he said.
