The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, March 29
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is committed to transforming rural Punjab through comprehensive development and sustainable initiatives. Highlighting the government’s vision for revitalizing villages, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh outlined key projects aimed at improving infrastructure, ensuring clean water, cleaning village ponds, tackling drug abuse, and fostering sports and education in rural areas. With a focus on fulfilling AAP’s promises and addressing the needs of every Punjabi, the government is determined to bring about meaningful change under the banner of ‘Badalde Pind, Badalda Punjab.’
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh and Chairman of Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Dr Sunny Ahluwalia today shared key initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government. They highlighted the government’s commitment to the comprehensive development of rural areas, focusing on infrastructure, sanitation, and sustainable growth.
Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian stated, “While urban areas are witnessing transformation, we are equally committed to revitalizing the drains in villages. With the support of village panchayats and inspired by the Seechewal Model, we aim to clean and rejuvenate all rural drains. Punjab’s 17,000 drains will be rehabilitated to ensure better sanitation and environmental sustainability.”
Mundian assured complete cooperation to other departments whenever required, emphasizing the importance of rural development. “Most of us come from villages, and their development is essential for Punjab’s progress. We will ensure all drains are cleaned and functioning efficiently,” he said.
Lauding Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s budget as the best so far, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Sondh stated, “This budget caters to every section of society. When AAP formed the government in Punjab, our convener Arvind Kejriwal made four guarantees. We have fulfilled three, and soon, we will fulfill the promise of giving ₹1,100 to women.”
Sond emphasized the government’s commitment to the ideals of Sardar Bhagat Singh and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating, “AAP considers these legends as our idols. Their portraits adorn our offices, budget documents, and our hearts.”
Highlighting the rural development initiatives, Sondh shared ₹4,573 crore has been allocated for rural development this year. Punjab has 17,000 ponds across its 12,581 villages. Surveys are underway to assess the water quality of these ponds. Water deemed fit for agriculture will be utilized, while contaminated water will be treated using the Seechewal Thapar model.
Sondh praised the government for addressing Punjab’s water crisis. “AAP is the first government to deliver canal water to farms. Previous governments ignored this critical issue, but we are committed to utilizing Punjab’s water resources effectively because our ground water is depleting day by day,” he added.
Sondh also criticized previous governments for their inaction against drugs, stating, “Between 2007 and 2017, under the Akali Dal government, drug abuse peaked. From 2017 to 2022, Congress made false promises and swore on holy books, yet failed to act.” He reiterated AAP’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs and detailed district-level meetings with DCs, SSPs, and other officials to curb drug peddling.
Sondh also emphasized rehabilitation efforts, saying, “Children who leave drug abuse will be reintegrated into society through sports. Under our ‘Changing Villages, Changing Punjab’ initiative, we are developing playgrounds in villages. In just 15 days, we completed 87 volleyball courts in Tarn Taran and plan to build more sports grounds along with indoor as well as open gyms.”
Further elaborating the Rural Development Plan, the AAP Minister said that the Chief Minister Street Light Scheme will ensure proper lighting in villages and on-link roads. The government is repairing and recarpeting 18,943 kilometers of link roads. For this, Punjab Mandi Board has been allocated ₹28,73 crore. On March 29 and 30, gram sabhas will be convened across 13,235 villages to identify the specific needs of each village. Based on these inputs, projects will receive a green signal, and work will proceed day and night.
Sondh extended his gratitude to CM Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for presenting an exceptional budget that includes a special package for rural development. “This is the first time such significant allocations have been made for villages,” he said.
