*Bhagwant Mann Govt To Spend Over ₹750 Crore For Holistic Development Of 3,763 SC-Dominated Villages*

*₹20 Lakh Untied Funds To Be Given Initially To Each Village; Allocation Can Be Enhanced As Per Requirements: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Social Justice Is About Dignity, Opportunity And Empowerment, Not Merely Welfare: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*₹50,000 Grant-In-Aid To Be Given For Livelihood Generation; 97% Post-Matric Scholarship Payments Disbursed: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH; 24th September 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced an ambitious programme involving more than ₹750 crore for the holistic and inclusive development of 3,763 villages across the state where the Scheduled Caste population exceeds 40 percent. Chairing a meeting to review the functioning of the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, the Chief Minister said the initiative would give a major push to social justice and balanced rural development.

During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every village deserves equal opportunities for growth and development must reach those sections and areas which have remained deprived for decades. The Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department will act as the nodal department, while the Rural Development and Horticulture Departments will provide the necessary support.”

The Chief Minister said Deputy Commissioners will identify and prioritise works according to the specific needs of each village, ensuring that public money is spent where it can make the greatest difference. “₹20 lakh will initially be provided as untied funds to each village, while the allocation can be enhanced after proper utilisation of the funds and assessment of additional requirements,” he said.

The Chief Minister said a Specific Village Development Plan (VDP) will be prepared for every village so that development is need-based, coordinated and result-oriented. “Our aim is not merely to spend money but to transform villages and improve the quality of life of every resident. The state government has embarked on a massive campaign for the development of Punjab and no village should feel left behind in this development journey,” he said.

He said the funds can be utilised for essential public amenities such as RO systems, additional school rooms, libraries, ambulances, Mohalla Clinics, solar street lights and other locally required infrastructure.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Rural Development Department has already prepared a broad framework to ensure effective and judicious utilisation of these funds. “We are committed to the economic empowerment of people and ₹50,000 grant-in-aid will be provided to individuals for livelihood generation, enabling beneficiaries to establish or strengthen income-generating activities and become economically self-reliant,” he said.

Reviewing the implementation of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, the Chief Minister said 97% of the payments have already been disbursed and directed officials to ensure that the remaining payments are released without unnecessary delay. “Social justice is not merely about welfare but it is about dignity, opportunity and empowerment. We are committed to creating an environment where every family, irrespective of its social or economic background, can live with dignity and build a better future,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab will progress only when every village progresses, every community gets equal opportunities and every young person can dream without the burden of deprivation. “Our government is committed to making inclusive development a reality on the ground and giving a major fillip to the development of these villages. Punjab’s development journey will move forward only when no section and no village is left behind,” he said.

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt's ‘Mission Rozgar’ Continues; Chief Minister Approves Direct Recruitment Of 450 ASIs In Punjab Police*

*450 ASIs To Be Recruited Directly To Strengthen Punjab Police: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Recruitment Will Provide Educated Youth Opportunity To Join Police Through Transparent, Merit-Based Selection: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Stronger Police Force Will Improve Policing At Grassroots Level & Help Tackle Emerging Challenges: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH; 24th September 2026:Continuing his Government’s ‘Mission Rozgar’ drive and its efforts to strengthen Punjab Police, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday approved the direct recruitment of 450 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) while chairing a meeting to review the functioning of the Home Department. The Chief Minister said the recruitment will provide educated youth an opportunity to join the Police Department through a transparent and merit-based selection process, besides augmenting manpower for more effective policing and tackling emerging law-and-order challenges across the state.

During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “An efficient, responsive and adequately staffed police force is essential for maintaining law and order, combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of the people. The state government is committed to strengthening the police force through fresh recruitment, timely promotions, modernisation and better service conditions.”

The Chief Minister stated, “The recruitment of 450 ASIs will help ensure adequate manpower for effective policing across the state. Strengthening the Police force is an important priority of the state government. Punjab Police has a sanctioned strength of 6,810 posts of ASI across its five cadres, including District Police, Armed Police, Bureau of Investigation, Intelligence and Technical Support Service. The government has undertaken a detailed assessment of existing and likely vacancies so that recruitment and promotions can be planned in a systematic manner.”

“Approximately 70% of vacancies in four cadres are likely to be filled through promotion, while the corresponding proportion in the Armed Cadre is around 90 per cent. After taking these requirements into account, the government has approved the process for direct recruitment of 450 ASIs,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This recruitment will provide an important opportunity to educated and eligible youth of Punjab to join the Police Department through a transparent and merit-based selection process. The concerned departments have been asked to complete all necessary formalities for the recruitment expeditiously.”

He affirmed, “The recruitment process will remain fair, transparent and strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules. Strengthening the Police force is not merely about increasing numbers, but also about ensuring that police personnel have the manpower and institutional support required to discharge their responsibilities effectively.”

“A stronger police force will help improve policing at the grassroots level and enable the department to respond more effectively to emerging law-and-order and security challenges. Senior officers must maintain close coordination and ensure that the recruitment process moves forward without unnecessary delay,” he said.

The Chief Minister affirmed, “Recruitment and promotions will be carried out systematically, transparently and strictly on merit. The objective is to build a stronger and more responsive Police force that can effectively discharge its responsibilities towards the people of Punjab.”