The Punjab government recently released a historic sum of ₹332 crore with the objective of giving a new direction and pace to rural development in the state. This crucial decision is a result of the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his unwavering commitment to the state's rural populace. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema clarified in Chandigarh that this fund has been directly transferred to the accounts of over 13,000 Gram Panchayats, 153 Panchayat Samitis, and 22 Zila Parishads across the state. This step is not only an example of administrative transparency but also guarantees that development works will now be implemented swiftly without any delay, ensuring visible change at the grassroots level.
The distribution of this fund has been done in two major parts, meticulously considering local needs and priorities, ensuring no area is left behind. Out of the total amount, ₹156 crore has been allocated to Panchayats as an 'Untied Fund,' which grants them complete autonomy in selecting development works. Panchayats can now decide based on their local needs, whether to prioritize constructing roads, building community centers, strengthening the drinking water system, or focusing on electrification. This system is a major step towards making Gram Panchayats self-reliant. In parallel, the government has prioritized rural health and sanitation by specially reserving ₹176 crore as a 'Tied Fund.' This amount is strictly earmarked for vital schemes like sanitation, waste management, construction of community toilets, and maintaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in villages. The Punjab government's vision demonstrates that development is not just about erecting brick-and-mortar structures but also about creating a clean and healthy environment, which directly helps elevate the living standards of the rural population.
This unique initiative by the Punjab government will enable Gram Panchayats to autonomously execute essential infrastructural facilities and comprehensive development works in their respective areas. On average, each Gram Panchayat has now directly received the first installment of ₹1.76 lakh for development works. The government is not stopping here; a plan is already in place to send a second installment of ₹334 crore by the end of the financial year or in January 2026. This will ensure a total availability of ₹3.52 lakh per Gram Panchayat over the year, extending the ray of progress to the remotest parts of the state.
Finance Minister Cheema emphasized that the greater the activity of a Panchayat, the better fundamental facilities, aligning with public aspirations, will be provided there. This scheme is considered a revolutionary step towards building a 'Vibrant Punjab' and strong villages. The government has resolved to focus equally on all major components of rural development, including roads, water, sports, education, health, agriculture, and power. This includes a special investment of ₹4,150 crore for the repair of 19,000 kilometers of roads and ₹1,000 crore for the construction of stadiums to promote sports culture in the state, showcasing the government's comprehensive vision.
In terms of district-wise allocation, the government has adopted a balanced approach based on need and population density, with the highest funds allocated to Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, and Gurdaspur districts. Ludhiana received approximately ₹33.40 crore, Hoshiarpur ₹28.51 crore, and Gurdaspur ₹27.64 crore. Additionally, other districts like Sangrur, Patiala, Jalandhar, Firozpur, Fazilka, Moga, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Tarn Taran have also been provided with adequate funds according to their respective situations, ensuring that every village is empowered and no district lags in the race for development.
This initiative by the Punjab government is proving to be a milestone in strengthening the Panchayati Raj system. The fund has been distributed across the three levels—Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad—in a 70:20:10 ratio. This scientific division aims to assign responsibility at every level and accelerate the pace of development. The government has also made it clear that the utilisation of these funds will be closely monitored at a high level to eliminate any possibility of corruption or financial irregularities, ensuring public money is used solely for the public.
The entire fund transfer process has been digitised and maintained with complete transparency, allowing all Gram Panchayats to receive the amount without any intermediaries. Furthermore, the special provisions made by the government regarding sanitation will ensure an ODF environment, cleanliness, and environmental protection in villages. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government has demonstrated that when the government’s intention is clear, the benefits of schemes surely reach the last person. This priority and transparent administration by the Mann government will take Punjab to new heights of rural development in the coming years.