Chandigarh, March 28; The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. “Committed to transforming rural Punjab, they drive comprehensive development and sustainable initiatives. Highlighting the government’s vision for revitalizing villages, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh outlined key projects.”These projects aim at improving infrastructure and ensuring clean water. They also focus on cleaning village ponds, tackling drug abuse, and fostering sports and education in rural areas. The government focuses on fulfilling AAP’s promises and addressing the needs of every Punjabi. “They are driving meaningful change under the banner of ‘Badalde Pind, Badalda Punjab.'”

Our goal is to clean and rejuvenate all rural drains.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian and Tarunpreet Singh Sondh spoke today. The Chairman of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Dr Sunny Ahluwalia, also shared key initiatives. These actions were undertaken by the Punjab government. They highlighted the government’s commitment to the comprehensive development of rural areas, focusing on infrastructure, sanitation, and sustainable growth. Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian stated, “Urban areas are transforming. We are actively revitalizing village drains with the support of village Panchayats, drawing inspiration from the Seechewal Model. Our goal is to clean and rejuvenate all rural drains. We will rehabilitate Punjab’s 17,000 drains to ensure better sanitation and environmental sustainability.”

 Rural Punjab : we will fulfill the promise of giving ₹1,100 to women.”

Mundian assured complete cooperation to other departments whenever required, emphasizing the importance of rural development. “Most of us come from villages, and their development is essential for Punjab’s progress. We will ensure all drains are cleaned and functioning efficiently,” he said. Lauding Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s budget as the best so far, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Sondh stated, “This budget caters to every section of society. When AAP formed the government in Punjab, our convener Arvind Kejriwal made four guarantees. We have fulfilled three, and soon, we will fulfill the promise of giving ₹1,100 to women.”

  Rural Punjab : govt has allocated ₹4,573 crore for rural development

Sond emphasized the government’s commitment to the ideals of Sardar Bhagat Singh and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating, “AAP considers these legends as our idols. Their portraits adorn our offices, budget documents, and our hearts.” Highlighting the rural development initiatives, Sondh shared that the government has allocated ₹4,573 crore for rural development this year. Punjab’s 12,581 villages contain 17,000 ponds. Authorities are conducting surveys to assess the water quality of these ponds. “They will use water deemed fit for agriculture and treat contaminated water using the Seechewal Thapar model.”

“AAP is the first government to deliver canal water to farms.

Sondh praised the government for addressing Punjab’s water crisis. “AAP is the first government to deliver canal water to farms. Previous governments ignored this critical issue. We are committed to utilizing Punjab’s water resources effectively. Our ground water is depleting day by day,” he added. Sondh also criticized previous governments for their inaction against drugs. He stated, “Between 2007 and 2017, under the Akali Dal government, drug abuse peaked. From 2017 to 2022, Congress made false promises and swore on holy books, yet failed to act.” He reiterated AAP’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs. He also detailed district-level meetings with DCs, SSPs, and other officials to curb drug peddling.

the government has allocated ₹28.73 crore to the Punjab Mandi Board.

“Sondh also emphasized rehabilitation efforts, stating, ‘We will reintegrate children who overcome drug abuse into society through sports.'”Under our ‘Changing Villages, Changing Punjab’ initiative, we are developing playgrounds in villages. In just 15 days, we completed 87 volleyball courts in Tarn Taran and plan to build more sports grounds along with indoor as well as open gyms.” Further elaborating the Rural Development Plan, the AAP Minister said that the Chief Minister Street Light Scheme will ensure proper lighting in villages and on-link roads. The government is repairing and recarpeting 18,943 kilometers of link roads. “For this, the government has allocated ₹28.73 crore to the Punjab Mandi Board. Authorities will convene gram sabhas across 13,235 villages on March 29 and 30.”These meetings aim to identify the specific needs of each village. Based on these inputs, projects will receive a green signal, and work will proceed day and night. Sondh extended his gratitude to CM Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for presenting an exceptional budget that includes a special package for rural development. He said, “For the first time, the government has made such significant allocations for villages.”