Development of villages is key to building a prosperous Punjab: Bhagwant Singh Mann

Hailing the Punjab Government’s decision to grant a ₹10,000 monthly honorarium to village Sarpanches from August 15, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday, June 25, 2026 termed it a historic decision that only the AAP government could have taken. Congratulating Sarpanches across Punjab and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for the landmark initiative, Arvind Kejriwal said that those who serve their villages day and night deserve dignity, respect and recognition.

The AAP Chief said the decision reflects the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to empowering grassroots democracy, strengthening rural governance and accelerating village development, as the government continues to take people-centric decisions aimed at building a prosperous and Rangla Punjab.

Taking to X, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated: “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 substantial honorarium. Congratulations to CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking this landmark decision.”

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “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 a respectable honorarium for their dedicated service. This increase will help them support their families better while enabling them to work with even greater commitment towards the development of their villages. When villages progress, Punjab progresses. We will continue working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. This is our promise.”

Addressing a 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 had promised an honorarium of ₹1,200 to Sarpanches, but the promise was never fulfilled and they had to run from pillar to post for it. However, he said that his government ensured an honorarium of ₹2,000 for Sarpanches, which will now be enhanced to ₹10,000 per month,” he added.

The Chief Minister asserted, “Panchayats are known as the foundation of democracy because they possess immense strength and their decisions are respected and followed by the entire village. It is the bounden duty of Sarpanches to safeguard the interests of villagers and fulfil their aspirations. Around 70% of the country’s population resides in villages, due to which Panchayati Raj Institutions are regarded as the lighthouse of democracy.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann concluded, “This is essential for accelerating the development of Punjab and making the state a frontrunner in the country. Our Government will extend full support and cooperation to Sarpanches for the comprehensive development of villages and the prosperity of their people.”