As part of the Punjab government’s campaign titled “Four Glorious Years with Bhagwant Mann,” Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday presented a comprehensive four-year report card of the Rural Development and Panchayats Department, showcasing significant improvements in rural infrastructure, governance, and employment opportunities across the state.
Describing rural development as a central pillar of overall progress, the Chief Minister outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the government, including the launch of Punjab’s first caste-based socio-economic survey, large-scale infrastructure development, transparent land management reforms, and youth-focused development programs.
The caste-based socio-economic survey, scheduled to begin on April 1, aims to assess living standards across communities while ensuring data confidentiality. Mann stated that the initiative would help promote equality and enable evidence-based policymaking.
He added that the rural development report card forms part of a broader governance framework under which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is presenting sector-wise performance reports covering education, healthcare, irrigation, agriculture, and other key areas, with a strong focus on accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
Highlighting achievements over the past four years, Mann said villages across Punjab have witnessed extensive development work, including large-scale construction projects and cleaning of village ponds. Revenue generated through the removal of illegal encroachments on government land has contributed significantly to funding these initiatives.
The Chief Minister also noted increased consensus in Panchayat elections. In 2024, elections were conducted for 13,236 Panchayats, with a significant rise in unanimously elected bodies. While around 1,870 Panchayats were elected unanimously in 2018, the number increased to 2,970 in 2024, strengthening communal harmony and grassroots governance.
To support local leadership, the Punjab government increased the monthly honorarium of village Sarpanches from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000.
Under the 15th Finance Commission grants, ₹2,367.64 crore was spent on rural development during 2025–26, nearly double the expenditure of the previous financial year. Mann highlighted that ₹3,847 crore has been spent on village development in the past four years, compared to ₹1,883 crore spent between 2017 and 2022.
The government allocated ₹1,030.94 crore for building Panchayat offices, libraries, Anganwadi centres, playgrounds, streets, drainage systems, and other infrastructure projects. Additionally, ₹1,336.70 crore was spent on drinking water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management through Zila Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, and Gram Panchayats.
The Chief Minister asserted that these initiatives are transforming rural Punjab and strengthening sustainable development at the grassroots level.
