Punjab News: The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab had earlier announced an increase in the monthly honorarium for newly elected sarpanches from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 following the recently concluded panchayat elections. The state government is now preparing to release the revised honorarium.
Department Issues Instructions to Officials
According to a letter issued by the Punjab Department of Rural Development and Panchayats on August 18, 2025, to all Deputy Chief Executive Officers, Zila Parishads, and Block Development and Panchayat Officers, the announcement regarding the increased honorarium was made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in a meeting held on April 24, 2025.
Finance Department Seeks Clarification
The case had been sent through the e-office system to the Punjab Finance Department for notification. In its observations, the Finance Department sought clarification on whether the block committees and zila parishads that oversee gram panchayats without independent sources of income have sufficient revenue to pay the revised honorarium. Officials have been asked to provide confirmation from their respective headquarters regarding panchayats that lack their own income sources.
Information Sought from Panchayat Committees and Zila Parishads
Along with the letter, a form has been circulated to gather details from block committees. The committees have been directed to report the number of gram panchayats without income in their block, the income of the panchayat committee itself, and how many gram panchayats they can support through their resources. Similar information has also been sought from all zila parishads across Punjab.
Revised Honorarium Expected Soon
Once the data is compiled and verified, the government is expected to release the enhanced monthly honorarium of Rs 2,000 for the newly elected sarpanches in Punjab.
