Reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and empowering village leadership, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced a five-fold increase in the honorarium of village Sarpanches, raising it from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per month with effect from August 15.
During a Sarpanch Milni in Bathinda, the Chief Minister said that Sarpanches serve villages day and night and deserve dignity and respect for their invaluable contribution. Emphasising that the development of villages is the foundation of Punjab’s progress, the Chief Minister assured that there is no shortage of funds for rural development and urged Sarpanches to ensure transparent utilisation of public money while leading the collective effort to build a prosperous and Rangla Punjab.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, we have taken a major decision. From August 15, every Sarpanch in Punjab will receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month. Panchayats are the first step of democracy, and Sarpanches serve their villages day and night.
They deserve a respectable honorarium for their dedicated service. This increase will help them support their families better while enabling them to work with even greater commitment towards the development of their villages. When villages progress, Punjab progresses.
We will continue working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. This is our promise.” Addressing the Sarpanch Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that Sarpanches will receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month from August “Previous governments had promised an honorarium of ₹1,200 to Sarpanches, but the promise was never fulfilled and they had to run from pillar to post for it.
However, he said that his government ensured an honorarium of ₹2,000 for Sarpanches, which will now be enhanced to ₹10,000 per month,” he added. The Chief Minister asserted, “Panchayats are known as the foundation of democracy because they possess immense strength and their decisions are respected and followed by the entire village.
It is the bounden duty of Sarpanches to safeguard the interests of villagers and fulfil their aspirations. Around 70 % of the country’s population resides in villages, due to which Panchayati Raj Institutions are regarded as the lighthouse of democracy.”
He said that Panchayati Raj Institutions act as a catalyst in delivering the benefits of pro-people and development-oriented schemes of the state government at the grassroots level. “While policies are framed by the government, Sarpanches and Panches play a major role in implementing them on the ground,” stated the Chief Minister.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I urge all Sarpanches to rededicate themselves to development works so that the people can benefit from them.” The Chief Minister said that the state government is releasing grants for works of immense public importance that are directly supervised by Panchayats.
“Various village development projects are also undertaken under their guidance and Sarpanches should closely monitor these works and services with dedication,” he added. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is the moral duty of every Sarpanch to ensure that every single penny of taxpayers’ money is utilised in a transparent manner.”
Giving a clarion call to Sarpanches, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they should stay away from any kind of undue interference in development works. “It is unfortunate that in the past several development works in villages suffered due to groupism,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sarpanches must accord top priority to eliminating groupism in villages to ensure holistic development of rural areas. In a democracy, the person or party that secures a majority wins the election, but once elected, the Sarpanch belongs to the entire village.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sarpanches should treat every resident equally and take decisions in a fair and neutral manner. He said that many Sarpanches have transformed their villages through wisdom and farsightedness. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sarpanches should give special attention to making villages drug-free and help save our youth from the menace of drugs.
They should also work tirelessly to strengthen communal harmony, peace and brotherhood in villages.” The Chief Minister said, “It is imperative to further accelerate the pace of development and prosperity in villages. Our Government is fully committed to the overall development of villages and no effort is being spared in this direction.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “Sarpanches are the bridge between the government and villages. You have a major role to play in the development and transformation of rural Punjab.” Assuring full support to the Sarpanches, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is no shortage of funds for developmental works in villages.
He urged them to prioritise development projects in their villages so that the state government can initiate them without delay. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “All Sarpanches should play a proactive role in transforming villages through constructive initiatives so that together we can build a Rangla Punjab.
They should also work hard to make villages clean, green and pollution-free.” The Chief Minister said, “The election of a Sarpanch is the toughest election in the state because Sarpanches remain directly connected with people at the grassroots level.
A capable Sarpanch can transform a village and ensure the prosperity of its residents.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This Sarpanch Milni is a unique initiative aimed at understanding issues at the village level. There is no shortage of grants, but they must be utilised in the right earnest for the welfare of villages.
Honest and dedicated Sarpanches remain the backbone of village development. Previous governments used to take a share from grants meant for villages, due to which development suffered.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A huge amount of grants is reaching villages and the day is not far when villages across Punjab will witness complete rejuvenation.
These funds must be utilised in a manner that benefits every section of society. Priority should be given to the construction of libraries, schools and installation of solar lights before taking up other works such as streets, so that holistic development of villages can be ensured.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann concluded, “This is essential for accelerating the development of Punjab and making the state a frontrunner in the country. Our Government will extend full support and cooperation to Sarpanches for the comprehensive development of villages and the prosperity of their people.”