Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has welcomed the historic decision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to increase the monthly honorarium of Sarpanches from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000, terming it a landmark step towards empowering Panchayati Raj institutions and recognizing the invaluable contribution of village representatives.
In a statement issued here today, Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the five-fold increase in honorarium is a clear reflection of the Chief Minister’s vision to strengthen grassroots democracy and ensure that elected representatives at the village level receive the respect and support they deserve.
The Cabinet Minister said that Sarpanches serve as the first point of contact between the government and rural citizens and play a pivotal role in implementing development initiatives, addressing local issues and ensuring effective delivery of public services. Despite their crucial responsibilities, they have been working with limited financial support for years.
Harbhajan Singh ETO said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has consistently taken people-centric decisions aimed at empowering every section of society. The enhanced honorarium will not only boost the morale of Sarpanches but will also enable them to devote greater time and energy towards the development of their villages.
Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister on behalf of rural communities, Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the announcement has been widely appreciated by Sarpanches across Punjab and will go a long way in encouraging efficient and transparent administration at the village level.
The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government remains committed to empowering Panchayats and ensuring holistic development of villages in line with the vision of a prosperous and progressive Punjab envisioned by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
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