Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday appealed to the people of the state to completely reject those who use money and muscle power during the upcoming Panchayat elections. Panchayat elections are the basis of the democratic system in the country. The purpose of these elections is to make people a part of democracy at the grassroots level. The state government is committed to ensure these elections are free, fair and peaceful.
Boycott those who use money and muscle power
CM Mann said that people should build a consensus about the candidates to be elected in the Panchayats. People should boycott the use of money and muscle power in these elections, making it an integral part of the democratic process. This will help in the development of villages across the state and strengthen the feeling of communal harmony and brotherhood in them.
Candidates are contesting the Panchayat elections in the state without party symbols. This will end factionalism in the villages and ensure all-round development of rural areas. The state government has taken an important decision to bar candidates from contesting elections on party symbols in the larger public interest.
Panchayats elected unanimously will get grants
The Chief Minister announced that any village which unanimously elects panchayats will get the necessities like stadium, school or hospital and will be given a grant of Rs 5 lakh. He appealed to the villagers to set an example in the state by unanimously electing their panchayat. He has left no stone unturned for the development of his ancestral village. In future also, no shortage of funds will be allowed for development in the village and this village will emerge as the ideal village of the state.
Poverty will not end with the rhetoric of leaders
CM Mann said that poverty will not end only with the rhetoric of leaders, but it will end only with the empowerment of the common man. Education is the key that can raise the standard of living of the people and bring them out of poverty. His government is making every effort to empower the youth of the state by providing them employment. So far more than 44000 youth have been given jobs.
Panchayats are the foundation of the democratic system and it will be strengthened in every way. Sarpanches should be elected for the villages and not for any political party or group. The state government wants to ensure that panchayats work as catalysts for the development of villages and prosperity of the people.
The people of the state will not be allowed to be fooled
During this, the Chief Minister said that no central law that deprives people of employment will be implemented in the state. The state government is committed to protecting the interests of the people of the state and no stone will be left unturned for this. The state government will not allow anyone to fool the interests of the state and its people.