Punjab CM Mann raises Sarpanches’s monthly allowance to Rs 10,000, unveils roadmap for model villages
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala (Punjab), June 26, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday announced that all Sarpanches in the state will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 from August 15, while calling upon Panchayats to lead the transformation of villages into drug-free, clean, green and prosperous communities.
Addressing a ‘Sarpanch Milni’ in Patiala, the Chief Minister said Panchayati Raj Institutions are the foundation of democracy and play a crucial role in implementing the government’s welfare and development programmes at the grassroots level.
Making the announcement, Mann said the state government had earlier increased the honorarium for Sarpanches from ₹1,200, promised by previous governments but never implemented, to ₹2,000. It will now be enhanced to ₹10,000 per month from Independence Day.
The Chief Minister urged Sarpanches to ensure transparent utilisation of public funds and monitor development works closely. “There is no shortage of funds for village development. Every rupee of taxpayers’ money must be spent honestly and transparently for public welfare,” he said.
Calling for an end to factional politics in villages, Mann said elected Sarpanches should serve every resident impartially, irrespective of political affiliations. He also appealed to Panchayats to strengthen communal harmony, promote cleanliness, increase greenery and intensify efforts to eradicate drug abuse.
Emphasising the need to improve rural infrastructure, the Chief Minister asked Sarpanches to prioritise the construction of libraries, schools, solar lighting, roads and drainage systems to accelerate village development.
He reiterated that the Punjab Government remains fully committed to rural development and assured Sarpanches of all possible support in implementing public welfare projects.
Mann said the government has initiated the ‘Sarpanch Milni’ programme to directly understand issues at the village level and ensure faster resolution of development-related concerns. He expressed confidence that with the active participation of Panchayats, Punjab’s villages would emerge as models of inclusive growth and help make the state a leader in rural development.