They confirmed that the grant would be transferred directly to Panchayat accounts to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
Bhagwant Singh Mann Led Punjab Government Grants INR 50 Lakh to Punjab Villages on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th Martyrdom
The CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government announced a special grant of INR 50 lakh for each village to honour the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Villagers in Punjab have expressed their heartfelt gratitude and said that the funding addresses their long-standing development needs. Aam Aadmi Party leaders and local representatives distributed the funds at various religious sites.
During a special ceremony at a prominent Gurdwara Sahib, village representatives and Panchayat members praised the initiative. They said that the grant would significantly benefit their villages. Village sarpanches and Panchayat members highlighted that their villages had long struggled with poor roads, drinking water shortages, and lack of basic amenities. With the INR 50 lakh grant, they said they could now implement essential development projects and improve local infrastructure.
Residents got emotional during their interactions with leaders and noted that earlier governments had largely neglected their issues. A rural woman shared, "Our village lacked paved roads; it would become muddy during the rainy season. Now, with this amount, we will be able to build a road." Local youth expressed optimism about constructing playgrounds and community halls with the funding, which they believe will accelerate village development.
The announcement brought widespread joy to villages across Punjab. Many residents praised the government on social media and noted that the scheme aligns with the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Village elders said that Guru Sahib promoted service and sacrifice for humanity, and this initiative reflects the same spirit of serving the poor. They also highlighted that the scheme is both a development milestone and a meaningful tribute to Guru Sahib on his 350th martyrdom day.
Senior leaders addressing the villagers said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed that all villages in Punjab be included in the development mainstream. They confirmed that the grant would be transferred directly to Panchayat accounts to ensure transparency and prevent corruption. The leaders reiterated the government’s commitment to improving rural education, health, roads, and electricity. They urged villagers to use the funds responsibly and contribute to building model villages.
Panchayat representatives outlined their priorities for utilising the INR 50 lakh grant. Some villages plan to focus on road construction, while others aim to tackle drinking water and sewerage issues. A sarpanch said, "This amount is no less than a gift for us. We will ensure that every rupee is spent on the development of the village." Villagers said that the initiative demonstrates the government’s sensitivity to their issues and its commitment to their welfare.
According to experts, such schemes can transform rural development. They noted that providing funds at the local level and empowering Panchayats accelerates development work. They added that this initiative by the Punjab government could serve as a model for other states. Experts also emphasised the cultural and social importance of announcing development schemes on religious occasions.
Villagers have also expressed positive responses on social media, thanking the Mann government for what they called a visionary initiative. A young man wrote, "Our village was neglected for years, but now it seems our days are changing." Social activists said that the funding could improve education and health services in villages, which are significant for long-term development.
The scheme’s launch on the 350th martyrdom day of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib is considered both a meaningful tribute and a major step in rural development. Villagers have appealed to the Mann government to expand such programmes to more villages to ensure balanced development across Punjab. Panchayat members have pledged to use the grant with full transparency and accountability and work toward elevating their villages to the category of developed villages.
