Chandigarh: Residents of various villages in Punjab expressed their gratitude and joy at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government’s announcement of a special grant of Rs. 50 lakh each to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Villagers said their villages desperately needed such assistance for development work, a need that now appears to be on the horizon. Aam Aadmi Party leaders and local representatives presented the funds to villagers at events held at various religious sites.
At a special ceremony held at the sacred Gurdwara Sahib, village representatives and Panchayat members collectively hailed the Mann government’s initiative as historic, stating that this grant would prove a boon for their villages. The village sarpanch and Panchayat members explained that for years, their villages had suffered from poor road conditions, drinking water problems, and a lack of basic amenities. They said that with this 50 lakh rupees, they will now be able to fully develop their villages and provide better amenities to the villagers.
Local residents, becoming emotional during their meeting with Aam Aadmi Party leaders, said that previous governments never paid attention to their problems, but the Mann government has taken this bold step by prioritizing rural development. A rural woman said, “Our village lacked paved roads; it used to get muddy during the rainy season. Now, with this amount, we will be able to build a road.” Meanwhile, the youth said that they will use this grant to construct a playground and a community hall, which will accelerate the village’s development.
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Many villages in Punjab witnessed an atmosphere of joy following this announcement. Villagers also praised the Mann government on social media, describing the scheme as in line with the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Village elders said that Guru Sahib preached service and sacrifice for humanity, and this government is serving the poor and villagers in the same spirit. They said that this initiative is not only important from a development perspective, but also a true tribute to Guru Sahib on his 350th martyrdom anniversary.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leaders, addressing the villagers, stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has clearly directed that every village in Punjab be integrated into the mainstream of development. They stated that this grant money will be transferred directly to the panchayat accounts without any corruption, ensuring transparency. The leaders stated that the government is committed to improving education, health, road, and electricity systems in rural areas. They urged the villagers to utilize this funding wisely and contribute to making their villages model villages.
Panchayat representatives said they would use this 50 lakh rupees to initiate development work on a priority basis. Some villages have prioritized road construction, while others have decided to address drinking water and sewerage problems. One sarpanch said, “This amount is no less than a gift for us. We will ensure that every rupee is spent on the village’s development.” Villagers also said that this initiative has reassured them that the government is sensitive to their problems and committed to their welfare.
Experts believe that such schemes can revolutionize rural development. Rural development experts said that when funds are made available at the local level and panchayats are empowered to make decisions, development progresses more rapidly. They said that this initiative by the Punjab government could serve as an example for other states. Experts also noted that announcing development schemes on religious occasions is culturally and socially significant, as it sends a positive message to the public.
The initiative has also received positive reactions from villagers on social media. Many have expressed their gratitude to the Mann government on Facebook and Twitter, calling it a visionary initiative. One young man wrote, “Our village was neglected for years, but now it feels like our fortunes are changing.” Some social activists also said the funds could improve education and health facilities in villages, essential for long-term development.
Launched on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, this scheme is not only a significant step towards rural development but also 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 pledged to utilize the grant funds with complete transparency and accountability and strive to elevate their villages to the developed category.
