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Sangrur: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said his government was committed to providing world-class civic amenities in villages at par with cities, asserting that there was no shortage of funds for comprehensive development across the state. Interacting with people at the grassroots as part of his outreach campaign, Mann said rural development remained central to Punjab’s growth agenda, as the majority of the population lived in villages
The Chief Minister urged residents and elected representatives to closely monitor development works to ensure quality execution, stressing that public participation was crucial for sustained progress. “Our aim is holistic village development and preparing a clear roadmap to accelerate growth, especially in rural Punjab,” he said, drawing applause from the gathering
Addressing the media later, Mann said his government had undertaken unprecedented development in the past four years without pleading fund constraints, while simultaneously repaying legacy debts. He cited the bailout of the power utility, repayment of loans of sugar mills and Markfed, creation of over 58,000 jobs, construction of new school buildings and laying of nearly 43,000 km of roads as evidence of financial prudence and governance focus
Highlighting efforts to raise living standards, the Chief Minister said Punjab students were now being trained as pilots, with the state procuring seven aircraft for professional training. “Dreams are not the monopoly of the rich. Every child has the right to aspire,” he said, adding that the government was opening avenues for high-skill, high-pay employment
Calling upon newly elected Zila Parishad and Block Samiti members, Mann reminded them that public office carried responsibility beyond electoral politics. “Once elected, you represent everyone, including those who didn’t vote for you. Serve all with commitment so Punjab can lead in every sphere,” he said
On governance reforms, Mann reiterated his zero-tolerance stance on corruption, citing digitisation of services such as property registration and transport offices. He said online systems and faceless services had significantly reduced discretion and delays, though uprooting corruption would take sustained effort
Reacting to the Centre’s move to rename MGNREGA, the Chief Minister remarked that mere changes in nomenclature would not benefit daily-wage labourers. “Name changes don’t feed the poor. What matters is work and wages,” he said, adding that earlier renamings had not improved ground realities. He also criticised the Centre for withholding Punjab’s legitimate share of funds, calling it contrary to the spirit of federalism
Mann announced that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna would soon be launched, providing cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh to around 65 lakh families in both government and private hospitals. More welfare schemes, he said, would follow in the next budget session.
Taking a swipe at the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann accused it of misleading people through “AI-driven slander campaigns” while losing touch with real issues. “We are preparing youth for the future, while they want to drag Punjab back,” he quipped, asserting that AAP’s people-centric policies had earned support across sections of society
