Punjab Government: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today announced a massive project of over Rs 750 crore for the all-round and collective development of 3,763 villages in the state where the Scheduled Caste (SC) category constitutes more than 40 per cent of the population. Chairing a meeting to review the functioning of the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, the Chief Minister said that this initiative will give a big boost to social justice and all-round development of these villages.
Will work as nodal department
During this, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every village deserves equal opportunities for progress, therefore development should also reach those classes and areas which have lagged behind for decades.” He said that the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minority Department will work as the nodal department in this project, while the Rural Development and Horticulture Department will provide necessary support.
Fund of Rs 20 lakh without any conditions
The Chief Minister said that the Deputy Commissioner will identify the special needs of every village and ensure that the work gets done on priority basis so that people’s money can be properly utilized first where it is needed most. “Each village will initially be released a fund of Rs 20 lakh without any conditions and this amount can be increased after proper utilization of funds and assessment of additional needs,” he said.
To raise the standard of living of every citizen
The Chief Minister said that special Village Development Plan (VDP) would be prepared for each village so that need-based and result-oriented development could be ensured with smooth coordination. “Our aim is not just to spend money but to rejuvenate villages and raise the standard of living of every citizen,” he said. He said that the state government has launched a massive campaign for the development of Punjab and no village should be left behind in this development journey.
He said that these funds would be used to provide essential public facilities like R.O. The system can be used for new school rooms, libraries, ambulances, mohalla clinics, solar street lights and other infrastructure works required at the local level.
capable persons to generate employment
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Rural Development Department has already prepared a comprehensive framework to ensure effective and smooth utilization of these funds. He said, “We are committed to the economic empowerment of the people and as part of these efforts, a grant-in-aid of Rs 50,000 will be provided to eligible individuals to generate employment, which will enable the beneficiaries to set up or expand income generating activities and enable them to become self-reliant.”
Social justice is not just about welfare
Reviewing the implementation of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, the Chief Minister said that 97 per cent of the payments for the scheme have already been made and directed the officials to release the remaining payments without any unnecessary delay. “Social justice is not just about welfare but it is about respect, opportunity and empowerment,” he said. He said that we are committed to creating an environment where every family, irrespective of social or economic background, can live their life with dignity and build a better future for themselves.
The journey of development will move forward only when someone
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab will progress only when every village in it progresses, every community gets equal opportunities and every youth will be able to fulfill his dreams without any burden of backwardness. “Our government is committed to ensuring collective development at the grassroots level and giving a big boost to the development of these villages,” he said. He said that the development journey of Punjab will move forward only when no section and no village is left behind. In the meeting, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Ravi Bhagat and other senior officials were present.