Village development is key to building a prosperous Punjab: Bhagwant Singh Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. File | Photo credit: PTI

Welcoming the Punjab government’s decision to give an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month to village Sarpanches on Wednesday, June 25, 2026, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener termed it as a historic decision that could only have been taken by the AAP government. Congratulating Sarpanches across Punjab and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for the landmark initiative, Arvind Kejriwal said those who serve their villages day and night deserve dignity, respect and recognition.

The AAP chief said the decision reflects the commitment of the Bhagwant Mann government to strengthen people’s democracy, strengthen rural governance and accelerate village development as the government continues to take people-centric decisions aimed at building a prosperous and Rangla Punjab.

AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said in an interview to X, “My heartiest congratulations to all the Sarpanches of Punjab. This is a historic decision that only the Aam Aadmi Party could have taken. For the first time in the country, Sarpanches will receive such a significant honorarium. I congratulate CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking this significant decision.”

Speaking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today we have taken a major decision. From August 15, every Sarpanch in Punjab will receive an honorarium of ₹ 10,000 per month. Panchayats are the first step of democracy and Sarpanches serve their villages day and night. They deserve more dedicated service to work better for their families. This honorarium will be even higher. commitment to the development of their villages When the villages progress, we will continue to work tirelessly for the welfare of the people.

Addressing Sarpanch Milni in Bhatinda, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that Sarpanches will receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month from August “Previous governments promised a Sarpanch an honorarium of ₹1,200 but the promise was never fulfilled and they told them that they have to run from his pillar to post. ₹2,000 per Sarpanch which will now be increased to ₹10,000 per month,” he added.

The Chief Minister said, “Panchayats are known as the bedrock of democracy as they have immense power and their decisions are respected and followed by the entire village. It is the duty of sarpanches to protect the interests of the villagers and fulfill their aspirations. Around 70% of the country’s population lives in villages, making Panchayats considered beacons of democracy.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann concluded, “This is necessary to accelerate the development of Punjab and make the state a pioneer in the country. Our government will extend full support and cooperation to the Sarpanches for comprehensive development of villages and prosperity of their people.”

Published – 26 Jun 2026 11:36 IST