Chandigarh, September 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced a programme involving more than ₹750 crore for the holistic and inclusive development of 3,763 villages where the Scheduled Caste population exceeds 40 per cent.
Chairing a meeting to review the functioning of the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, Mann said the initiative would give a major push to social justice and balanced rural development across the state.
The Chief Minister said the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department would serve as the nodal department for the programme, with the Rural Development and Horticulture Departments providing necessary support.
He said Deputy Commissioners would identify and prioritise development works according to the specific requirements of each village. Each village would initially receive ₹20 lakh in untied funds, while the allocation could be enhanced after proper utilisation of the funds and assessment of additional requirements.
A Specific Village Development Plan (VDP) will be prepared for every identified village to ensure that development works are need-based, coordinated and result-oriented.
“Every village deserves equal opportunities for growth and development must reach those sections and areas which have remained deprived for decades,” Mann said.
The Chief Minister said the funds could be used for essential public amenities and infrastructure, including RO systems, additional classrooms, libraries, ambulances, Mohalla Clinics, solar street lights and other locally required facilities.
Mann said the government was also focusing on the economic empowerment of people and announced that a ₹50,000 grant-in-aid would be provided to individuals for livelihood generation. The assistance would enable beneficiaries to establish or strengthen income-generating activities and become economically self-reliant, he said.
Reviewing the implementation of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Mann said 97 per cent of payments had already been disbursed. He directed officials to ensure that the remaining payments were released without unnecessary delay.
“Social justice is not merely about welfare but it is about dignity, opportunity and empowerment,” Mann said, adding that the government was committed to creating an environment where every family, irrespective of its social or economic background, could live with dignity and build a better future.
The Chief Minister said the government aimed to ensure that no village or section of society was left behind in Punjab’s development journey. He said the state’s progress would depend on ensuring equal opportunities for communities and creating conditions in which young people could pursue their aspirations without the burden of deprivation.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
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