Chief Minister’s Appeal to Newly Elected Panches; Transform your villages into ‘Modern Development Axis’

Sangrur, November 19: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday called upon the newly elected panchayats of the state to act as catalysts to shift their villages to the ‘modern development axis’, which will give a major boost to the state’s economy.

Addressing the gathering before administering the oath of office to the newly elected panchas of Sangrur district, the Chief Minister said that the panchayats should distribute the development work of their villages on a priority basis so that the state government can start the work. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the panchayats must pass resolutions for the overall development of the villages, for which the state government will use all means. He asked the newly elected Panchs to take new steps to ensure the progress and well-being of the villagers as well as to transform their villages into a ‘development axis’.

The Chief Minister said that Gram Panchayats are the foundation of the democratic structure and the swearing in of the newly elected panchas is a historic occasion. He said that these panches have been chosen by the people and today such ceremonies are being held in 19 districts of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 10031 newly elected sarpanches across the state were administered the oath of office during a ceremony held on November 8 at Ludhiana.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of honor to be elected by the people because it shows how much faith and truth people have towards that leader. He said that it is a great responsibility, which is placed on these leaders by the people because it is a great service to the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured the newly elected Panchs that no shortage of funds will be allowed to carry out development work in the villages.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is establishing rural libraries, which will act as the axis of development and prosperity of the state. The aim of this exemplary initiative is to inculcate the habit of reading among the youth of the state. He said that the villages should pass resolutions to establish more such libraries as this step would help in empowering the youth and making them equal partners in the socio-economic development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these libraries will help change the destiny of the youth and produce bureaucrats, scientists, doctors, technicians and other competent persons.

The Chief Minister said that these libraries are equipped with Wi-Fi, solar power, digital analog and other advanced facilities. He said that these libraries have world class books on contemporary literature and curriculum, which provide ample opportunity for learning. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these libraries are true storehouses of knowledge and literature. He said that it is a matter of pride and satisfaction for all of us that these libraries have valuable books on various subjects, which attract book lovers.

The Chief Minister said that in a democracy the person or party who gets the majority is the winner but once elected panchayats are shared by the entire village. He said that the Panchs should treat every resident of the village equally and take decisions impartially and give priority to eliminating factionalism from the villages. He said that it is very unfortunate that due to widespread factionalism in the villages, many jobs in the villages are endangered.

The Chief Minister urged everyone to play an active role in revitalizing the villages of the state by starting a constructive campaign to plant more trees. He said that it is everyone’s duty to make Punjab clean, green and pollution free. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is necessary to improve the environment of the state on one hand and prevent pollution on the other hand.

The Chief Minister also asked the Panchas to convene Gram Panchayat meetings in their respective villages to take every decision with full public consultation to ensure transparency in development work. He said that decisions regarding the development of villages should be taken in the Gram Sabhas so that proper utilization of funds can be ensured. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if the panchayats fulfill their duty properly, they can change the face of the common man and their villages.

The Chief Minister called upon the Panchayats to work with zeal and make their villages exemplary by ensuring modern facilities for all. The Chief Minister said that Panchayats should perform their duties honestly and transparently for the welfare of villages. He urged the panchayats to take every decision in consultation with the villagers and said that they can play a major role in the all-round development of the villages.

The Chief Minister thanked the villages for unanimously electing panchayats and said that on one hand these villages have strengthened the bonds of harmony and mutuality in the villages and on the other hand they have unanimously risen above factionalism to ensure their comprehensive development. Panchayats have been selected. He said that the intelligent voters of the villages have assigned a huge responsibility to all the panchayats and they should fulfill it with full diligence. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is indebted to the voters of the state, who have enthusiastically participated in these elections in a free and fair manner.