Punjab News: Mann Government Launches Rural Development Drive, Check Key Highlights

Punjab News: The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has rolled out a comprehensive Rural Development Drive to uplift the state’s villages. The initiative, spearheaded by Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Sond, focuses on enhancing rural infrastructure and improving the quality of life for villagers.

Punjab Govt. under CM @BhagwantMann initiate Punjab’s Rural Development Drive – Led by Minister @TarunpreetSond-

✅Special campaign to clean village ponds before monsoon.
✅MGNREGA: Camps for job cards; 11L+ cards active, ₹1,000 Cr spent in FY 2024-25, 2.15 Cr person-days… pic.twitter.com/tLBYHQraV4

— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) January 2, 2025

Key Highlights of the Drive

The campaign includes a special focus on cleaning village ponds before the monsoon, addressing long-standing water management issues. Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), over 11 lakh job cards are currently active, with ₹1,000 crore already spent in FY 2024-25. The program has generated 2.15 crore person-days of employment, providing a significant boost to rural livelihoods.

Reclaiming Panchayat Lands and Revenue Generation

The government has reclaimed 12,800 acres of panchayat land, ensuring an annual revenue of ₹10.76 crore from leased properties. To promote transparency, a new system for leasing ‘Shamlaat’ lands has been introduced, encouraging equitable access to resources for villagers.

Tree Plantation and Clean Villages Initiative

In a major green initiative, over 95 lakh saplings have been planted this year to enhance environmental sustainability. The government is also prioritizing the cleanliness of villages through a focus on solid and liquid waste management systems.

Efforts to expedite sports ground development and housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) are underway, aiming to meet the March 31, 2025, deadline.

This campaign aligns with CM Mann’s vision of a “Rangla Punjab,” showcasing the government’s commitment to rural progress and environmental conservation.