Chandigarh, April 2
Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced that Punjab will undertake its first-ever caste-based socioeconomic survey from April 1, aimed at ensuring equitable development and more targeted policymaking across the state.
Presenting a four-year report card of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department, the Chief Minister said the survey would evaluate the living standards of all communities while maintaining strict confidentiality. He added that around 28,000 enumerators would be deployed for the exercise, with a budget allocation of Rs 250 crore.
Highlighting achievements, Mann said the government has spent Rs 3,847 crore on rural development over the past four years, significantly higher than the Rs 1,883 crore spent between 2017 and 2022. In 2025-26 alone, expenditure stood at Rs 2,367.64 crore, nearly double the previous year.
He said Rs 1,030.94 crore was invested in infrastructure projects such as Panchayat buildings, libraries, Anganwadi centres, and playgrounds, while Rs 1,336.70 crore was spent on drinking water, sanitation, and other essential services.
The Chief Minister also noted that illegal encroachments on Panchayat land had been cleared, generating Rs 1,842.78 crore in revenue through leasing over four years. In 2025-26, approximately 1.35 lakh acres were leased, yielding Rs 520.54 crore.
To promote youth engagement and combat drug abuse, Mann said nearly 3,000 rural playgrounds are being developed at a cost of Rs 1,166 crore. Work has already begun on 2,400 grounds, most of which are expected to be completed by June.
He added that 500 modern Panchayat buildings are being constructed in the second phase of development, while 251 village libraries are underway, with 231 already completed.
On employment, Mann said Rs 5,146 crore has been spent under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act since 2022, generating jobs for 8.96 lakh people and creating 2.40 crore man-days. In 2025-26, 63,357 new job cards were issued.
The Chief Minister further said 76,000 houses have been approved for rural families this year, including 30,000 for flood-affected households, with a target of constructing one lakh homes.
He also highlighted an ongoing drive to clean 17,080 village ponds, with thousands already restored at a cost of Rs 235 crore.
Mann said 12,000 village defence committees have been formed to strengthen anti-drug initiatives, involving more than 1.25 lakh volunteers.
On women empowerment, he said 58,303 self-help groups have been formed, benefiting 5.89 lakh families, with financial support of Rs 147 crore. Women dairy cooperatives are currently supplying around one lakh litres of milk daily, he added.
Alleging that the Centre is withholding Punjab’s funds, Mann said the state government would raise the issue at all appropriate forums. He also opposed proposed changes to MGNREGA, warning that they could adversely impact rural employment.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to farmers, Mann said arrangements are being made to ensure smooth procurement of the wheat crop and cautioned against any disruption.
