-Cheema Reviews Patiala Projects, Pushes for Swift, Transparent Development
Patiala, May 4:
Punjab Finance and Planning Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today issued firm directives to officers of Patiala district to strengthen coordination with MLAs and elected representatives in order to accelerate ongoing development works. Chairing a high-level review meeting focused on district development and anti-drug initiatives, the Minister emphasized that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the state government maintains a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption — including delays in public welfare projects.
Joining Minister Cheema at the meeting were Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh; MLAs Ajit Pal Singh Kohli (Patiala), Chetan Singh Jouramajra, Gurlal Singh Ghanaur, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, and Gurdev Singh Dev Mann; Mayor Kundan Gogia; District Planning Committee Chairman Jasvir Singh Jassi Sohian Wala; DIG Patiala Range Dr. Nanak Singh; Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav; Municipal Corporation Commissioner Parmvir Singh; and PDA Chief Administrator Manisha Rana, among other senior district officials.
Taking serious note of issues flagged by MLAs and the Health Minister, Cheema asserted that “pending work is also a form of corruption.” He instructed all departments to submit detailed status reports on incomplete projects from financial years 2022–23 and 2023–24. Officers found guilty of intentional delays or negligence would face strict action, he warned.
During the meeting, various pressing concerns were raised by public representatives. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh drew attention to delays in the development of Urban Estate and the long-pending renovation of Chhoti and Badi Nadi. MLA Ajit Pal Singh Kohli raised the issue of severely damaged roads resulting from ongoing canal water projects and stressed the urgent need for desilting drains and rivers before the monsoon season. MLA Chetan Singh Jouramajra highlighted the unchecked growth of illegal colonies that are being developed without adhering to proper guidelines. MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra expressed dissatisfaction over sluggish administrative processes affecting the pace of development works. MLA Gurlal Singh Ghanaur flagged implementation hurdles under the MGNREGA scheme, while MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Mann pointed out persistent sewerage problems in Nabha city that continue to affect local residents.
In response, Finance Minister Cheema directed concerned departments to ensure regular updates to MLAs and elected representatives. He instructed officials to prioritize the desilting and rejuvenation of 1,204 village ponds and called for streamlined inter-departmental communication to guarantee effective implementation of state and central welfare schemes at the grassroots level.
Cheema specifically instructed the Water Supply and Sanitation Department to complete the canal water supply projects in Mandoli and Pabra villages within one month, warning that responsibility for further delays would rest personally with the officers concerned. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the new burn unit at Government Rajindra Hospital, cautioning both the Public Works Department (Electrical Wing) and the Public Health Department that additional delays would not be tolerated.
The Minister further directed the Industries Department and related district authorities to ensure that all required clearances, approvals, and incentives for both existing and upcoming industrial projects are processed without delay. He announced that monthly review meetings would be conducted to monitor the progress of development projects across the district.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav assured the Finance Minister that the Patiala district administration is fully committed to delivering transparent and time-bound governance, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the directions issued during the meeting.
Also present at the meeting were former Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa, AAP leader Baltej Pannu, Senior Deputy Mayor Harinder Kohli, Deputy Mayor Jagdeep Singh Jagga, Improvement Trust Chairman Megh Chand Shermajra, AAP Urban President Tejinder Mehta, ADCs Isha Singal and Navreet Kaur Sekhon, SPs Palwinder Singh Cheema and Gurbans Singh Bains, all SDMs, and other senior officials of the district administration.
