Villagers also see this initiative as reassurance that the state government is sensitive toward rural issues and committed to their welfare.
Punjab Villagers, Representatives Applaud Mann Govt’s ‘Revolutionary’ Rural Development Grants
Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has announced a grant of rupees 50 lakh each to several villages in the state on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, bringing joy to residents, according to an official release.
The villagers expressed their gratitude and highlighted the “deep need” for such assistance for the development of their respective villages.
Fulfilling these needs, Aam Aadmi Party leaders and local representatives formally handed over the funds to villagers at events held at various religious sites.
At a special ceremony organised at the holy Gurdwara Sahib, village representatives and Panchayat members unanimously appreciated the Mann government’s initiative as “historic,” saying the grant would prove to be a “boon” for their villages. They stated that several long-standing issues, including “poor road conditions, drinking water problems, and a lack of basic amenities,” would now be resolved.
Residents, during their interaction with AAP workers, alleged that previous governments “never” paid attention to their problems and hailed the current state government for “prioritizing rural development.”
A rural woman, quoted in the release, said, “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.” Additionally, a youth expressed hope that with this grant, they would be able to construct playgrounds and community halls, which would accelerate their village’s development.
Following the announcement of the grant, villagers, out of joy and gratitude, praised the Mann government on social media, describing the scheme as in line with the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Senior citizens also appreciated the move, saying the state government was serving the poor and villagers with the same spirit of service and sacrifice that Guru Sahib preached.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leaders, while addressing the villagers, stated that CM Mann has clearly directed that every village in Punjab be integrated into the mainstream of development. They assured that the grant amount would be transferred directly to the Panchayat accounts “without any corruption and with full transparency.” The leaders emphasised the government’s commitment to improving education, health, road, and electricity facilities in rural areas. They appealed to villagers to utilize the amount wisely and help transform their villages into model villages.
Meanwhile, Panchayat representatives also assured that they would prioritize developmental work using the grants. Some villages have chosen to focus on road construction, while others have decided to address drinking water and sewerage issues.
Villagers also see this initiative as reassurance that the state government is sensitive toward rural issues and committed to their welfare.
Experts believe such schemes can “revolutionize rural development,” noting that when funds are made available at the local level, thereby empowering Panchayats, development work progresses faster. They added that “announcing development schemes on religious occasions is culturally and socially important, as it sends a positive message to the public.”
The initiative has received widespread appreciation, including on social media. A youth commented, “Our village was neglected for years, but now it seems our days are changing.”
Launched on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, this scheme is seen not only as an important step toward rural development but also as a true tribute to Guru Sahib’s sacrifice and teachings. Villagers have urged the Mann government to expand such schemes to more villages to ensure equitable development across Punjab. Panchayat members have promised to utilize the grant with complete transparency and accountability and strive to elevate their villages to the category of developed villages, the press release stated.
