CM Bhagwant Mann Announces ₹10,000 Monthly Honorarium for Sarpanches From August 15
Chandigarh, 24 June :: Reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and empowering village leadership, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced a five-fold increase in the monthly honorarium of village Sarpanches, raising it from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 with effect from August 15.
Addressing a Sarpanch Milni in Bathinda, the Chief Minister said that Sarpanches work tirelessly for the welfare of their villages and deserve dignity, recognition and adequate financial support for their contribution. He described Panchayats as the foundation of democracy and said that the development of villages is essential for the progress of Punjab.
Announcing the decision, CM Mann said that previous governments had promised honorariums to Sarpanches but failed to fulfill their commitments. He stated that his government had earlier ensured a monthly honorarium of ₹2,000 and has now decided to increase it to ₹10,000.
The Chief Minister said that around 70 percent of the country’s population resides in villages, making Panchayati Raj Institutions the backbone of democracy. He emphasized that Sarpanches and Panchs play a crucial role in implementing government welfare schemes and ensuring that development reaches the grassroots level.
Mann urged Sarpanches to rededicate themselves to development works and ensure that every rupee of public money is utilized transparently and honestly. He said that the state government is releasing adequate grants for village development projects and there is no shortage of funds for rural infrastructure.
Calling upon village leaders to rise above political divisions, the Chief Minister said that groupism has negatively affected development works in many villages. He stressed that once elected, a Sarpanch belongs to the entire village and should work impartially for all residents.
He also appealed to Sarpanches to play an active role in making villages drug-free, strengthening communal harmony and promoting peace and brotherhood. Special emphasis should be laid on cleanliness, greenery and environmental protection, he added.
The Chief Minister said that village development funds should be utilized for projects that directly benefit people, including libraries, schools and solar lighting systems. He noted that honest and dedicated Sarpanches are the backbone of rural development and can transform villages through visionary leadership.
Describing the Sarpanch Milni as a unique initiative, Mann said the programme was aimed at understanding grassroots issues and strengthening coordination between the government and village representatives. He assured full support to Sarpanches and reiterated the government’s commitment to building a prosperous and vibrant rural Punjab.
He concluded by saying that the development of villages is key to making Punjab a leading state in the country and urged all Sarpanches to work collectively toward the vision of a “Rangla Punjab.”
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