₹20 Lakh Untied Funds To Be Given Initially To Each Village; Allocation Can Be Enhanced As Per Requirements: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Social Justice Is About Dignity, Opportunity And Empowerment, Not Merely Welfare: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
₹50,000 Grant-In-Aid To Be Given For Livelihood Generation; 97% Post-Matric Scholarship Payments Disbursed: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
CHANDIGARH; 24th September 2026:
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced an ambitious programme involving more than ₹750 crore for the holistic and inclusive development of 3,763 villages across the state where the Scheduled Caste population exceeds 40 percent. Chairing a meeting to review the functioning of the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, the Chief Minister said the initiative would give a major push to social justice and balanced rural development.
During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every village deserves equal opportunities for growth and development must reach those sections and areas which have remained deprived for decades. The Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department will act as the nodal department, while the Rural Development and Horticulture Departments will provide the necessary support.”
The Chief Minister said Deputy Commissioners will identify and prioritise works according to the specific needs of each village, ensuring that public money is spent where it can make the greatest difference. “₹20 lakh will initially be provided as untied funds to each village, while the allocation can be enhanced after proper utilisation of the funds and assessment of additional requirements,” he said.
The Chief Minister said a Specific Village Development Plan (VDP) will be prepared for every village so that development is need-based, coordinated and result-oriented. “Our aim is not merely to spend money but to transform villages and improve the quality of life of every resident. The state government has embarked on a massive campaign for the development of Punjab and no village should feel left behind in this development journey,” he said.
He said the funds can be utilised for essential public amenities such as RO systems, additional school rooms, libraries, ambulances, Mohalla Clinics, solar street lights and other locally required infrastructure.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Rural Development Department has already prepared a broad framework to ensure effective and judicious utilisation of these funds. “We are committed to the economic empowerment of people and ₹50,000 grant-in-aid will be provided to individuals for livelihood generation, enabling beneficiaries to establish or strengthen income-generating activities and become economically self-reliant,” he said.
Reviewing the implementation of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, the Chief Minister said 97% of the payments have already been disbursed and directed officials to ensure that the remaining payments are released without unnecessary delay. “Social justice is not merely about welfare but it is about dignity, opportunity and empowerment. We are committed to creating an environment where every family, irrespective of its social or economic background, can live with dignity and build a better future,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab will progress only when every village progresses, every community gets equal opportunities and every young person can dream without the burden of deprivation. “Our government is committed to making inclusive development a reality on the ground and giving a major fillip to the development of these villages. Punjab’s development journey will move forward only when no section and no village is left behind,” he said.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
