In a decisive move to bolster the panchayati raj system in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced that villages achieving unanimous elections for their panchayats will receive a grant of Rs five. The initiative, aimed at strengthening local governance, will also allow these villages to choose between receiving a stadium, school, or hospital, depending on their specific needs.
Mann, addressing a gathering after inaugurating 30 new Aam Aadmi Clinics, emphasized his government’s commitment to the welfare and progress of Punjab. He firmly stated that malicious rumours circulated by those envious of the state’s peace and prosperity would not deter his administration from its goals. “Some political leaders are unable to digest our progress, and their baseless canards will not stop us from serving the people,” he declared.
The Chief Minister expressed his frustration with traditional political parties, accusing them of focusing on personal gains rather than the welfare of the people. “These leaders have long amassed wealth while remaining inaccessible to the common citizen,” Mann remarked, contrasting his government’s transparency and dedication to public service. He called for a new generation of leaders — “intelligent and honest individuals” — to be elected in the upcoming panchayat polls, emphasizing that these elections will take place without party symbols to promote unity and holistic development in villages.
Mann also took aim at SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, quipping about his lack of awareness regarding even basic aspects of Punjab’s geography. This jab highlighted the disconnect between longstanding political elites and the current administration, which prides itself on its grassroots approach.
Lauding the recent achievements of his government, the Chief Minister said that more than 44,000 jobs have been provided to the youth in a transparent manner, contributing to a significant reverse trend where young people, who previously sought opportunities abroad, are now returning to Punjab. “Educational institutions are witnessing a surge in admissions,” he noted, reinforcing the message that progress is being made in various sectors.
Mann highlighted the acquisition of Goindwal power plant for Rs 1,080 crore, which will facilitate the utilization of coal from the Pachwara coal mine, ensuring adequate electricity supply across the state. With approximately 90 percent of consumers now receiving zero power bills, he emphasized the positive impact of pro-people policies.
Addressing agricultural issues, Mann announced that his government has taken revolutionary steps to provide canal water for irrigation during the ongoing paddy season. “This initiative aims to combat the depletion of groundwater levels, ensuring that future generations have access to water resources,” he explained. He proudly noted that canal water usage has increased from 21 to 72 percent under his leadership.
Further enhancing irrigation efforts, Mann revealed plans for a new Kandi Canal, which is expected to benefit 11,000 acres of land. He underscored the significance of the upcoming Malwa canal project, which will span around 150 kilometers and cater to the irrigation needs of nearly two lakh acres of farmland, representing an investment of Rs 2,300 crore.
With the introduction of “Sarkar Tuhaade Dwaar” initiative, Mann asserted that his government is now focused on delivering citizen-centric services directly to villages, thereby fostering a more inclusive governance model. “Gone are the days when governance was confined to offices in Chandigarh,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of accessibility.
30 New Aam Aadmi Clinics launched, total 872
Continuing his commitment to revolutionize healthcare in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday dedicated 30 new Aam Aadmi Clinics, bringing the total number of operational clinics in the state to 872. The initiative aimed at providing quality primary healthcare services to residents.
The newly-opened clinics include five in Bathinda, two in Hoshiarpur, seven in Mansa, three in Moga, six in Patiala, five in SAS Nagar, and two in Sri Muktsar Sahib. The Chief Minister highlighted that these clinics serve as a cornerstone for delivering high-quality healthcare, offering 80 types of medicines and 38 diagnostic tests free of charge.
To date, over 2.07 crore patients have benefited from the services, with more than 72 lakh diagnostic tests conducted at no cost. Mann noted that these clinics have significantly reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for the people of Punjab, saving approximately Rs 1,050 crore.
To further enhance healthcare accessibility, the Chief Minister announced that Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) would be authorized to procure necessary medications locally. This, alongside centralized drug procurement and supply chain improvements, has led to an estimated savings of Rs 102.98 crore in out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Additionally, free X-ray and ultrasound facilities are now available at all secondary healthcare centers. A total of 512 private X-ray and ultrasound centers have been empaneled to provide services at nominal government rates, further strengthening healthcare accessibility. Daily X-ray services have increased from 3,000 to 4,200, while ultrasound services have surged from 650 to 1,350, benefiting a total of 7.52 lakh patients so far.
