Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday called upon the newly elected Panchs of the state to act as a catalyst for transforming their villages into ‘modern development hubs’ thereby giving a major push to the economy of the state.
Addressing the gathering before administering oath of office to newly elected Panchs of Sangrur district, the Chief Minister said that panchayats should prioritise the development work of their villages so that the state government can get the work started on it.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the panchayats must pass a resolution for holistic development of the villages adding that the state government will leave no stone unturned for it.
He asked the newly elected Panchs to take new steps that can transform the village into ‘development hubs’ besides ensuring progress and prosperity of the villagers.
The Chief Minister said that gram panchayats were the foundation of the democratic set up and it is a historic moment as elected Panchs are being administered oath of their office.
He said that these panchs have been elected by the people and today in 19 districts of the state such functions are being held. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 10031 newly elected Sarpanchs from across the state were administered the oath during a function held at Ludhiana on November 8.
The Chief Minister said that it is a privilege if any leader is elected by the people as it shows the truth and faith people have in them. He said that this is a huge responsibility that is bestowed by the people on these leaders as it is a huge service to the people.
Bhagwant Singh Mann assured newly elected panchs that there is no dearth of funds for undertaking developmental work in villages.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is setting up rural libraries which will act as a harbinger of growth and prosperity in the state adding that this path breaking initiative is aimed at inculcating reading habits amongst the youth of the state.
He said that villages should pass resolutions for setting more such libraries as this step will go a long way in empowering the youth and making them an equal partner in the social-economic development of the state.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these libraries will help in transforming the destiny of the youth and produce bureaucrats, scientists, Doctors, technocrats and others.
The Chief Minister said that these libraries have been equipped with high-end facilities like Wi-Fi, solar power digital analogs and others.
He said that these libraries have world-class books on contemporary literature and curriculum books, providing a rich learning experience. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these libraries are a true repository of knowledge and literature adding that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction for all of us that this state of the art libraries houses precious books on varied subjects, which attracts the book lovers.
The Chief Minister said that in a democracy the person or party who attains majority is the winner but once elected panchayats belong to the whole village.
He said that panchss should treat every resident of the village equally and decisions must be taken neutrally adding that they must accord top priority to abolish groupism in the villages.
He said that it is very unfortunate that several works in villages are jeopardised due to widespread groupism in the villages. The Chief Minister urged all to play a proactive role in transforming the villages of the state by starting a constructive campaign for planting more and more trees.
He said that it is the bounden duty of all for carving out clean, green and pollution free villages and Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is imperative for improving the atmosphere of the state on one hand and checking the pollution on the other.
The Chief Minister also asked the panchs to hold gram panchayats in their respective villages for making every decision in full public view to ensure transparency in development works.
He said that the decisions pertaining to development of villages should be taken in gram sabhas for ensuring judicious utilisation of funds. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if panchayats perform their duty well then they can transform the destiny of the common man and their villages.
The Chief Minister exhorted the panchayats to work zealously and transform their villages in model one by ensuring modern amenities to all.
He said that the panchayats should discharge their duty well in an honest and transparent manner for the well being of the villages.
Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the panchayats to take every decision of the after due consultation with the villagers adding that they can play a major role in overall development of the villages.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the villages who have elected panchayats unanimously adding that these villages have risen above the parochial considerations and elected their panchayats unanimously to strengthen ethos of harmony and brotherhood in villages on one hand and ensure their comprehensive development on the other.
He said that the wise voters of villages have bestowed a huge responsibility to all panchayats and they should discharge it meticulously.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he was indebted to the voters of the state who have enthusiastically participated in these polls in a free and fair manner.