Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced financial assistance along with major projects for the drug free villages in the state.
Chandigarh, April 24 –Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced financial assistance along with major projects for the drug free villages in the state. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a major push for rural development and anti-drug initiatives. He announced financial incentives for villages declaring themselves “drug-free”. There is also a monthly honorarium of Rs 2000 for Sarpanches (village heads).
Key Announcements:
- Rs 1 Lakh Reward for Drug-Free Villages
- The government will award Rs 1 lakh to villages that declare themselves drug-free and develop them as model villages.
- CM Mann urged Sarpanches to lead the fight against drugs with public support.
- Rs 2000 Monthly Honorarium for Sarpanches
- Starting from their election date, Sarpanches will now receive Rs 2000 per month.
- Previous governments promised Rs 1200 but never implemented the scheme.
- Strict Action Against Drug Smugglers
- The Punjab government has cracked down on drug supply chains, arresting key smugglers.
- Illegal properties of drug traffickers are being seized/demolished to deter others.
- Village Ponds Rejuvenation Drive
- A state-wide campaign to clean and revive village ponds for agricultural use, reducing groundwater dependency.
- Canal water usage for irrigation has increased from 21% to 75%, improving soil fertility.
- Panchayats Honored for Excellence
- Gram Panchayat of Baloh (Bathinda) received the Panchayat Advance Index Award for top performance.
- Nine other Panchayats, Self-Help Groups, and Panchayat Secretaries were also recognized.
CM’s Message to Sarpanches:
- “Sarpanches are the backbone of rural democracy—work without bias for village development.”
- “Avoid groupism, ensure transparency, and focus on clean, green, and pollution-free villages.”
- “Punjab’s future depends on strong Panchayats and drug-free communities.”
Why This Matters?
- Anti-Drug Push: Punjab has long struggled with drug abuse; this initiative incentivizes grassroots change.
- Empowering Sarpanches: Financial support ensures better governance at the village level.
- Sustainable Development: Water conservation and canal irrigation reforms aim for long-term agricultural benefits.
This move signals the AAP government’s focus on rural welfare, anti-drug measures, and environmental sustainability.
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