Punjab CM enhances five-fold hike in honorarium of sarpanches
Bathinda, June 24
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced a five-fold increase in the honorarium of sarpanches, raising it from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 per month from August 15.
At a Sarpanch Milni in Bathinda, the Chief Minister said sarpanches serve villages day and night and deserve dignity and respect for their invaluable contribution.
Emphasising that the development of villages is the foundation of the state's progress, he assured that there is no shortage of funds for rural development and urged sarpanches to ensure transparent utilisation of public money while leading collective efforts to build a prosperous Punjab.
CM Mann said previous governments had promised an honorarium of Rs 1,200 to sarpanches, but the promise was never fulfilled, and they had to run from pillar to post to get it.
He added that his government ensured an honorarium of Rs 2,000, which will now be enhanced to Rs 10,000 per month.
The Chief Minister said panchayats are the foundation of democracy because they possess immense strength and their decisions are respected and followed by the entire village. He stressed that it is the bounden duty of sarpanches to safeguard the interests of villagers and fulfil their aspirations.
He noted that around 70 per cent of the country's population resides in villages, which is why Panchayati Raj Institutions are regarded as the lighthouse of democracy.
Mann said these institutions act as catalysts in delivering the benefits of the state government's pro-people, development-oriented schemes at the grassroots.
While policies are framed by the government, sarpanches and panches play a major role in implementing them on the ground, he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move but I hope this isn't just election gimmickry. Punjab's sarpanches have been underpaid for decades. The CM needs to also ensure regular disbursement and not just announcements. He should also look into providing basic infrastructure like office space or internet for panchayats.
As a retired government employee, I've seen how sarpanches in our area have to bribe block-level officials just to get basic works done. Increasing honorarium is good but unless corruption at middle levels is addressed, this money won't reach the ground. Transparency is key - CM should push for e-panchayat systems.
Great news! My father was a sarpanch for 15 years in Moga district - he used to spend his own money on village development because the honorarium was a joke. Rs 10,000 still won't cover all expenses like travel and phone bills, but it's a start. Hope this inspires more educated youth to take up panchayat roles.
While I appreciate the hike, will this be burden on state exchequer? Punjab already has fiscal problems. Instead of just raising honorariums, the government should ensure sarpanches are actually performing their duties - many in our area just sit at home and leave everything to the gram sevak. Accountability should come hand in hand with benefits.
This is a good start but real change will come when women sarpanches are equally respected and given authority. In many Punjab villages, 'sarpanch pati' (husband of sarpanch) still runs everything. CM should focus on empowering actual representatives, not just increasing their salary.
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