Residents of several villages across Punjab have expressed happiness and gratitude over the announcement by the Bhagwant Singh Mann government of a special grant of Rs. 50 lakh each on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Villagers said such financial assistance was a long-pending need for development works and that this announcement has fulfilled their expectations.
Aam Aadmi Party leaders and local representatives formally handed over the grant at programmes organised at various religious places.
During special ceremonies held at holy Gurdwara Sahibs, village representatives and Panchayat members unanimously termed the Mann government’s initiative as historic, stating that the grant would prove to be a major boost for village development.
Sarpanches and Panchayat members said their villages had long been struggling with issues such as poor roads, drinking water shortages and lack of basic facilities. With the Rs. 50 lakh grant, they said, villages would now be able to undertake proper development works and provide improved amenities to residents.
Local villagers, while interacting with Aam Aadmi Party leaders, became emotional and said previous governments had ignored their problems, but the Mann government has taken a decisive step by giving priority to rural development.
A woman from a village said, “Our village had no proper roads and the streets would turn muddy during the rainy season. Now, with this amount, road construction will finally be possible.”
Youth from the villages expressed hope that the grant would help in building playgrounds and community halls, accelerating overall development.
The announcement has created an atmosphere of celebration in many villages of Punjab. Villagers also praised the Mann government on social media, calling the scheme aligned with the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.
Elders said Guru Sahib’s message of service and sacrifice for humanity is reflected in this initiative, as the government is serving villagers and the underprivileged. They added that the scheme is not only significant for development but also a meaningful tribute to Guru Sahib on his 350th martyrdom anniversary.
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leaders, while addressing villagers, said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has clearly instructed that every village in Punjab must be brought into the mainstream of development. They assured that the grant amount would be transferred directly into Panchayat accounts without any corruption, ensuring complete transparency.
The leaders said the government remains committed to strengthening education, health, roads and electricity infrastructure in rural areas, and urged villagers to use the funds judiciously to transform their villages into model villages.
Panchayat representatives said development works would be prioritised using the ₹50 lakh grant. While some villages have decided to focus on road construction, others have chosen to resolve drinking water and sewerage issues.
A sarpanch remarked, “This amount is nothing less than a gift for our village. We will ensure that every rupee is spent solely on development.” Villagers said the initiative has restored their faith that the government is sensitive to their concerns and dedicated to their welfare.
