BATHINDA, June 24: The state government will ensure uninterrupted funding for rural development to transform Punjab’s villages into the most advanced in the country, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced on Tuesday. During an interactive session with village heads from Talwandi Sabo and Rampura Phul, the Chief Minister maintained that local governance is the backbone of the democratic system. He encouraged newly elected leaders to focus their energies on sustainable projects, noting that the timely distribution of grants will completely change the face of rural Punjab if utilised with complete transparency.
The discussions during the gathering touched upon key administrative achievements, including the merit-based recruitment process and the expansion of the canal water supply network for the farming community. The Chief Minister declared that the journey of state progress will continue without any pauses. He explicitly advised the rural delegates to steer clear of groupism and ensure that every resident receives equal treatment, regardless of past electoral preferences.
“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,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
The Chief Minister also expressed his appreciation for the villages that chose their representatives unanimously, noting that such harmony accelerates community growth. Turning his attention to the significant presence of women leaders at the event, he mentioned that true social transformation is impossible without their representation in leadership roles.
“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,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added.
