Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday called upon Sarpanches to lead the transformation of rural Punjab, asserting that the state’s villages must emerge as the most developed in the country to realise the vision of making Punjab the nation’s most developed state. Interacting with Sarpanches and Panchs from Rampura Phul and Talwandi Sabo, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to the holistic development of villages and will never allow any shortage of funds for this purpose. He urged Panchayats to utilise public funds in a manner that benefits every section of society, while prioritising education, rural infrastructure and sustainable development.

During the interaction, discussions were also held on the government’s achievements, including providing jobs purely on merit and strengthening education, both of which were widely appreciated. Deliberations further focused on rural development initiatives and ensuring canal water supply for farmers, with the Chief Minister affirming that Punjab’s journey of development and progress will continue unabated.

Sharing a few snippets from the Sarpanch Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “During the meeting with Sarpanches and Panchs from Rampura Phul and Talwandi Sabo, discussions were held on the achievements of the Punjab Government. Everyone welcomed the government’s efforts to provide jobs purely on merit and improve the quality of education. Deliberations were also held on rural development and ensuring canal water supply for farmers. The journey of Punjab’s development and progress will continue uninterrupted.”

Addressing the gathering during the ‘Sarpanch Milni’ on Tuesday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the toughest election in the state is that of a Sarpanch as they are the ones who remain connected with people at the grassroots level. “A Sarpanch is the head of the village and a good Sarpanch can give a facelift to the village and ensure the prosperity of its people. As a matter of fact, Sarpanches are the foundation on which the pillar of democracy stands due to which they are the most important part of society,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that this is a unique initiative aimed at knowing the issues at the village level. He said that there is no shortage of grants but these should be utilised in the right earnest in villages. “Allegations can be levelled on anyone but the right Sarpanches are the pivot of the development of villages. Earlier, previous regimes had a share in the grants due to which development suffered. A huge sum of grants is now coming to villages and the day is not far when the villages of the state will be completely rejuvenated with this money,” he said.

Urging the Sarpanches to prioritise development works, the Chief Minister said that these funds should be spent in such a manner that they benefit every section of society. He said that priority should be given to the construction of libraries, schools and installation of solar lights and then to streets so that holistic development of villages is ensured. “This is imperative for accelerating the development of the state and it is the need of the hour so that Punjab can be made the frontrunner in the country,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister further said that village Panchayats are the most significant organ of the democratic system and have been instrumental in the transformation of rural areas. He reiterated that his government is committed to extending all possible support and cooperation to Sarpanches as they play a proactive role in the process of overall rural development.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Panchayats and Sarpanches are the real eyes and ears of the state government as they are well connected with the masses at the grassroots level. “Panchayats are known as the foundations of democracy as they have immense power and their decisions are obeyed by the entire village respectfully,” he added.

He said that villagers have given Sarpanches this power and it is their bounden duty to safeguard their interests and cherish their aspirations. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these institutions act as a catalyst for disseminating the benefits of pro-people and development-oriented schemes of the state government at the grassroots level.

The Chief Minister said that policies are framed by the state government and Sarpanches and Panches play a major role in implementing them at the ground level. He urged all Sarpanches to rededicate themselves to development works and ensure supervision of development works and services in a dedicated manner.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann gave a clarion call to Sarpanches that they should remain away from any sort of undue interference in these works. “It is unfortunate that in the past several works in villages were jeopardised due to widespread groupism,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sarpanches must accord top priority to abolishing groupism in villages. “In a democracy, the person or party that attains a majority is the winner, but once elected, a Sarpanch belongs to the entire village. A Sarpanch should treat every resident of the village equally and decisions must be taken neutrally,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that there are several Sarpanches who have transformed their villages with their wisdom and farsightedness.

Expressing gratitude to villages that have elected Panchayats unanimously, he said, “These villages have risen above parochial considerations and elected their Sarpanches unanimously to strengthen the ethos of harmony and brotherhood in villages on one hand and ensure their comprehensive development on the other.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that his Government is committed to the overall development and progress of villages and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. “Sarpanches are a bridge between the government and villages and they should play a major role in the development of villages,” he added.

He also urged the Sarpanches to work hard for making villages clean, green and pollution-free so that the environment of the state can be protected. Buoyed by the significant presence of women Sarpanches in the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the time has come for them to play a key role in the politics of the country.

The Chief Minister emphasised an expansive vision for the role of women in governance, economy and society, asserting that real empowerment lies in education, representation and economic opportunity.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged women to step into decision-making roles and reshape the state’s future. He said that it is imperative that girls come forward and empower themselves through education. “It is in the larger interest of the nation, as women who manage homes and families efficiently should also run the country. The state government is committed to this noble cause and is leaving no stone unturned for it,” he said.

Encouraging greater political participation, the Chief Minister said that women must come forward and participate in politics to become active partners in decision-making and bring necessary change in society.

He said that girls have outnumbered boys in almost every field, but politics is still an exception. “This field has long been considered a fiefdom of men, but the time has come for women to excel here as well. Women’s participation is essential to build an egalitarian society and strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. This will help make Punjab a progressive and prosperous state,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal directly called out the BJP for attempting to disturb Punjab’s peace and communal harmony. He shared that nearly a month ago, when bomb blasts had taken place, he had openly stated that the BJP wanted to ruin the peace in Punjab. Today, the AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson said, that statement has been proven 100 percent true.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said, “The BJP has become deeply rattled by the historic pro-people work being carried out in Punjab by the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. In this state of panic, the BJP is resorting to dangerous tactics to destabilise Punjab.”

He stated, “On June 19, the BSF (Border Security Force) and the State Special Operations Cell arrested a young man named Rohan from Village Harar Khurd near Ajnala. One AK-47 rifle, a made-in-America bulletproof jacket, 25 pistols and 368 cartridges were recovered from him. This person is none other than the son of Shiv Kumar, District President of the BJP SC Morcha in Amritsar. This is the same Amritsar city from where BJP National General Secretary and newly appointed Rajya Sabha member Tarun Chugh hails. Under his very nose, the son of a senior BJP leader is allegedly involved in large-scale arms smuggling.”

Citing investigation reports, the AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson added, “The arrested accused was in contact with a person named Anmol, who is based in Australia, and had previously delivered around seven to eight consignments of weapons and drugs to different parts of Punjab.”

Directly questioning Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he asked, “When the area extending up to 50 kilometres from the international border falls directly under the jurisdiction of the BSF and the Union Home Ministry, how are such huge quantities of weapons entering the country? Has Amit Shah’s intelligence and security apparatus completely failed, or is leniency being deliberately shown to create unrest in Punjab?”

The AAP Punjab spokesperson said, “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has written several letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has held meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting that the BSF be equipped with modern anti-drone systems to secure Punjab’s 532-kilometre-long international border. BSF personnel are extremely brave, but when modern weapons and drugs are being dropped through drones, what can they do without technological support?”

He asserted, “The BJP-led Central Government has not provided Punjab with even a single penny for this purpose. On the contrary, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann spent ₹52 crore from the state’s own resources to install three anti-drone systems along the border. The BJP not only wants to withhold Punjab’s funds and snatch away its water, but now also wants to push Punjab’s youth into the quagmire of drugs and weapons.”

Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal launched a sharp attack on Punjab BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar, Tarun Chugh and Kewal Dhillon, asking, “Will they now take action against this criminal leader from their own party?”

Exposing the BJP’s divisive politics, he referred to an incident in Patiala where BJP leader Karan Kaura made objectionable remarks against the Muslim community. He said, “These people want to eliminate minorities and regional parties in the country and are using agencies such as the ED and the CBI to suppress dissenting voices.”

Appealing to the people of Punjab, he urged, “Save your children and save Punjab. Never support this anti-people BJP. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Aam Aadmi Party and the people of Punjab will never allow these sinister activities of the BJP to succeed.”

AAP leader Sarabjot was also present on the occasion.

To strengthen the post-treatment rehabilitation component of the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings are being conducted in 13 districts of Punjab under the Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

In close collaboration with the Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) fellows, Narcotics Anonymous through its Hospital and Institution (H&I) meetings is organizing regular awareness and recovery sessions at government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. The initiative is currently running regularly in Muktsar, Ludhiana, Rupnagar, Mansa and nine other districts.

Under the programme, Narcotics Anonymous meetings provide recovering victims a non-judgemental space to share their experiences, struggles and achievements, giving strength to the belief that a recovering addict with their lived experience is the best person to help another.

Narcotics Anonymous is a global fellowship of recovering addicts that provides support through a 12-step programme and peer-led meetings to help victims go drug free. Founded in 1953, the organisation now functions across many nations and works on the precept that recovery takes place best through mutual support and sharing of experiences.

A person in recovery from Sri Muktsar Sahib who regularly participates in NA meetings at the government-run de-addiction centre said the sessions have played a key role in helping him remain sober. Not willing to be named, he said, “You can be drug-free for a week or even a month. But to ensure a drug-free life permanently, NA helps because the story of the peer group resonates with your story. If they can say no to drugs, why can’t you? After I became sober, I even brought along a friend I met at the de-addiction centre, who too has found this support to be of great help.”

Jagpal Singh (name changed), a patient at the Ludhiana drug de-addiction centre, said, “Hearing fellow addicts speak had an impact on me. It created a positive chain reaction in me. When I narrated my story, suggestions came my way and I felt motivated. I recommend that, alongside treatment, NA meetings could really help victims of drug abuse in their recovery.”

According to health experts, such peer-led support addresses one of the biggest challenges in addiction recovery — isolation. “Many patients fall into relapse because they feel isolated after leaving the de-addiction centre. NA gives them a support network and assures them they are not alone in their fight against drugs,” said a health official associated with the programme.

Participation in NA meetings has risen steadily in recent months, with regular sessions now being organised in government-run facilities across the 13 districts as part of the campaign’s emphasis on long-term rehabilitation. An H&I coordinator associated with Narcotics Anonymous in Mansa said the organisation works closely with district administrations whenever support is sought for conducting meetings.

An H&I coordinator and peer secretary associated with Narcotics Anonymous in Muktsar said the organisation works closely with district administrations whenever support is sought for conducting meetings.

“When I first joined an NA meeting myself, I realized that fighting this disease alone is difficult and this group was my support mechanism for fighting this battle. This place instilled in me the belief that one can truly leave addiction behind. The only qualification for membership is a desire to stop using drugs. Members remain anonymous, which allows them to speak openly and honestly about their struggles and recovery journey,” he said.

Parminder Singh, Psychiatry Social Worker at the Muktsar Drug De-addiction Centre, said, “Narcotics Anonymous is the best forum for a drug addict because the peer group members exactly know and understand the experience of an addict and they are best placed to guide them towards a drug-free life because they have undergone all those problems themselves. In fact, even during counselling sessions, the patient who hesitates to open up warms up to the NA members easily.”

Amanpreet Kaur, counsellor at the Ludhiana De-addiction Centre, said, “Peer groups share the positive changes that have taken place in their lives after quitting drugs, and that inspires others to follow the same path. Attending meetings initially is essential. If one is regular in such meetings, it means one is closer to de-addiction. Missing the meetings can often be an early warning sign of a relapse.”

She added, “NA group therapy gives patients a lot of confidence. Once they begin sharing experiences in a non-judgmental environment, they feel better understood and are guided towards sustained treatment that could make them go drug-free completely.”

Officials said several former substance users who have maintained sobriety are now volunteering as mentors and helping district administrations mobilise participants for meetings. Experts, however, emphasised that expanding NA networks, particularly in rural areas, will be crucial to sustaining the gains made under the anti-drug campaign.

As Punjab intensifies its fight against drug abuse, the growing network of Narcotics Anonymous groups is reinforcing the state’s efforts to ensure that recovery extends beyond treatment and translates into lasting social reintegration and a drug-free life.