Punjab News: Punjab’s Villages Will Be Most Developed in Country; Sarpanches Must Lead Transformation: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Punjab News: Punjab’s Villages Will Be Most Developed in Country; Sarpanches Must Lead Transformation: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
*Govt Is Committed to Holistic Development of Villages & Will Never Allow Shortage of Funds: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Developed Villages Will Make Punjab Most Developed State in Country: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Sarpanches Must Utilise Funds in Manner That Benefits Every Section of Society: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Women Sarpanches Must Not Limit Themselves & Should Play Significant Role in National Politics: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Interacts With Sarpanches in Bathinda & Appreciates Their Work*
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday called upon Sarpanches to lead the transformation of rural Punjab, asserting that the state’s villages must emerge as the most developed in the country to realise the vision of making Punjab the nation’s most developed state. Interacting with Sarpanches and Panchs from Rampura Phul and Talwandi Sabo, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to the holistic development of villages and will never allow any shortage of funds for this purpose. He urged Panchayats to utilise public funds in a manner that benefits every section of society, while prioritising education, rural infrastructure and sustainable development.
During the interaction, discussions were also held on the government’s achievements, including providing jobs purely on merit and strengthening education, both of which were widely appreciated. Deliberations further focused on rural development initiatives and ensuring canal water supply for farmers, with the Chief Minister affirming that Punjab’s journey of development and progress will continue unabated.
Sharing a few snippets from the Sarpanch Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “During the meeting with Sarpanches and Panchs from Rampura Phul and Talwandi Sabo, discussions were held on the achievements of the Punjab Government. Everyone welcomed the government’s efforts to provide jobs purely on merit and improve the quality of education. Deliberations were also held on rural development and ensuring canal water supply for farmers. The journey of Punjab’s development and progress will continue uninterrupted.”
Addressing the gathering during the ‘Sarpanch Milni’ on Tuesday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the toughest election in the state is that of a Sarpanch as they are the ones who remain connected with people at the grassroots level. “A Sarpanch is the head of the village and a good Sarpanch can give a facelift to the village and ensure the prosperity of its people. As a matter of fact, Sarpanches are the foundation on which the pillar of democracy stands due to which they are the most important part of society,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that this is a unique initiative aimed at knowing the issues at the village level. He said that there is no shortage of grants but these should be utilised in the right earnest in villages. “Allegations can be levelled on anyone but the right Sarpanches are the pivot of the development of villages. Earlier, previous regimes had a share in the grants due to which development suffered. A huge sum of grants is now coming to villages and the day is not far when the villages of the state will be completely rejuvenated with this money,” he said.
Urging the Sarpanches to prioritise development works, the Chief Minister said that these funds should be spent in such a manner that they benefit every section of society. He said that priority should be given to the construction of libraries, schools and installation of solar lights and then to streets so that holistic development of villages is ensured. “This is imperative for accelerating the development of the state and it is the need of the hour so that Punjab can be made the frontrunner in the country,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister further said that village Panchayats are the most significant organ of the democratic system and have been instrumental in the transformation of rural areas. He reiterated that his government is committed to extending all possible support and cooperation to Sarpanches as they play a proactive role in the process of overall rural development.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Panchayats and Sarpanches are the real eyes and ears of the state government as they are well connected with the masses at the grassroots level. “Panchayats are known as the foundations of democracy as they have immense power and their decisions are obeyed by the entire village respectfully,” he added.
He said that villagers have given Sarpanches this power and it is their bounden duty to safeguard their interests and cherish their aspirations. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these institutions act as a catalyst for disseminating the benefits of pro-people and development-oriented schemes of the state government at the grassroots level.
The Chief Minister said that policies are framed by the state government and Sarpanches and Panches play a major role in implementing them at the ground level. He urged all Sarpanches to rededicate themselves to development works and ensure supervision of development works and services in a dedicated manner.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann gave a clarion call to Sarpanches that they should remain away from any sort of undue interference in these works. “It is unfortunate that in the past several works in villages were jeopardised due to widespread groupism,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sarpanches must accord top priority to abolishing groupism in villages. “In a democracy, the person or party that attains a majority is the winner, but once elected, a Sarpanch belongs to the entire village. A Sarpanch should treat every resident of the village equally and decisions must be taken neutrally,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that there are several Sarpanches who have transformed their villages with their wisdom and farsightedness.
Expressing gratitude to villages that have elected Panchayats unanimously, he said, “These villages have risen above parochial considerations and elected their Sarpanches unanimously to strengthen the ethos of harmony and brotherhood in villages on one hand and ensure their comprehensive development on the other.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that his Government is committed to the overall development and progress of villages and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. “Sarpanches are a bridge between the government and villages and they should play a major role in the development of villages,” he added.
He also urged the Sarpanches to work hard for making villages clean, green and pollution-free so that the environment of the state can be protected. Buoyed by the significant presence of women Sarpanches in the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the time has come for them to play a key role in the politics of the country.
The Chief Minister emphasised an expansive vision for the role of women in governance, economy and society, asserting that real empowerment lies in education, representation and economic opportunity.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged women to step into decision-making roles and reshape the state’s future. He said that it is imperative that girls come forward and empower themselves through education. “It is in the larger interest of the nation, as women who manage homes and families efficiently should also run the country. The state government is committed to this noble cause and is leaving no stone unturned for it,” he said.
Encouraging greater political participation, the Chief Minister said that women must come forward and participate in politics to become active partners in decision-making and bring necessary change in society.
He said that girls have outnumbered boys in almost every field, but politics is still an exception. “This field has long been considered a fiefdom of men, but the time has come for women to excel here as well. Women’s participation is essential to build an egalitarian society and strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. This will help make Punjab a progressive and prosperous state,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.