BATHINDA, June 25 -- Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced a five-fold increase in the honorarium of sarpanches, raising it from Rs.2,000 to Rs.10,000 per month.

During a 'sarpanch milni' programme held in Bathinda, the CM said that monetary assistance will be revised starting August 15.

Emphasising that the development of villages is the foundation of Punjab's progress, Mann said there is no shortage of funds for rural development. He urged sarpanches to ensure transparent utilisation of public money while leading the collective effort to build a prosperous 'Rangla' Punjab.

"Sarpanches serve villages day and night and deserve dignity and respect for their invaluable contribution. Panchayats are the first step of democrac...