Chandigarh, Sept. 24 -- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced a programme involving more than '750 crore for the holistic development of 3,763 villages where the Scheduled Caste population exceeds 40 per cent.
Chairing a review meeting of the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, Mann said the initiative would promote social justice and balanced rural development by addressing the specific needs of deprived villages.
"Every village deserves equal opportunities for growth and development must reach those sections and areas which have remained deprived for decades," Mann said. He said the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department would serve as the nodal department, with the Rural Development and Horticulture Departments providing support.
Deputy Commissioners will identify and prioritise development works based on the requirements of individual villages. Mann said '20 lakh would initially be provided to each village as untied funds, with additional allocation possible after assessment and proper utilisation.
A Specific Village Development Plan will be prepared for every village to ensure need-based and coordinated development. The funds can be used for facilities including RO systems, additional classrooms, libraries, ambulances, Mohalla Clinics and solar street lights.
Mann said the Rural Development Department had prepared a framework for effective utilisation of funds. He also announced a '50,000 grant-in-aid for individuals to undertake livelihood-generating activities and become economically self-reliant.
Reviewing the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Mann said 97 per cent of payments had been disbursed and directed officials to release the remaining amount without delay.
He said inclusive development would remain the focus of the state government, stressing that Punjab could progress only when no village or section was left behind.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.