He advised Sarpanchs to consult villagers before making decisions, as they hold the potential to drive the overall development of their communities.Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remarked on the recent elections, where 13,147 new panchayats were elected across the state. During today’s event, 10,031 Sarpanchs from 19 districts were administered the oath of office.Mann added that the remaining newly elected Sarpanchs from the districts of Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Barnala, and Gurdaspur, as well as 81,808 newly elected Panches from 23 districts, would be sworn in after the by-elections in the four Vidhan Sabha constituencies of Giddarbaha, Chabbewal, Barnala, and Dera Baba Nanak.Mann expressed his gratitude to villages that elected panchayats unanimously, stating that these communities had risen above parochial considerations to strengthen harmony and brotherhood.He noted with pride that the panchayats of 3,037 villages across the state were selected unanimously, with Ferozepur district leading with 336 panchayats, followed by Gurdaspur with 335 and Tarn Taran with 334.He reminded the Sarpanchs of their duty to safeguard the interests and aspirations of the villagers, highlighting that with around 70% of India’s population residing in villages, Panchayati Raj institutions serve as a “lighthouse of democracy.”Mann added that while policies are framed by the state government, Sarpanchs and Panches play a crucial role in implementing them at the ground level.The Chief Minister pointed out that public services, such as schools, dispensaries, and veterinary hospitals, are already under panchayat supervision, along with numerous village development works. He urged Sarpanchs to ensure dedicated oversight of these initiatives.Mann advised them to avoid undue interference in these services and warned against the dangers of groupism, which often undermines progress in villages.
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