Minister administers oath of office to 6,391 panches

Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian on Tuesday exhorted newly-elected panches to work hand-in-hand with the state government to ensure comprehensive development of villages while also fostering communal harmony, peace and brotherhood. He was addressing a gathering after administering the oath of office to 6,391 newly-elected panches at Dhanansu village near here.

The minister said the people had entrusted them with important responsibility of promoting prosperity and progress of their villages.

He said it was their duty to fulfil society’s aspirations and pledged his support and cooperation for the all-around development of the villages.

He also urged the panches to ensure that they start working from today itself and start sending proposals of development works to the government so that funds could be released instantly to facilitate the projects.

Mundian emphasised that the state government was dedicated to put the state on a path of high growth for which significant efforts were already underway to ensure that it becomes a leading state in every area.

He said the strenuous efforts of the state government would only fructify if the newly-elected panches, along with their sarpanches, contribute generously for development.

The minister also stated that the state government had fulfilled most of the promises made to the people. The education and health sectors had witnessed unprecedented development, with several reforms implemented since the government’s formation.

He said the state-of-the-art infrastructure was being established in government schools and hospitals, ensuring delivery of quality services. Budget for both Education and Health departments have also been increased to serve the public in a better way.

“A major initiative has been launched to promote sports through the Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan tournament. Over 48,000 youth had secured government jobs through a fair and transparent process since we had formed the government in the state,” he said.

While addressing the gathering, Raikot MLA Hakam Singh urged the panches to work dedicatedly for the holistic development of villages, emphasising that the time had come for everyone to make joint efforts towards rural development.

Markfed Chairman Amandeep Singh Mohie, Punjab Genco Limited Chairman Navjot Singh Jarg and Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal were among those others present.