Chandigarh, Apr 1 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said the state will conduct its first-ever caste-based socioeconomic survey from April 1 to ensure equitable development and targeted policymaking.
Presenting a four-year report card of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department, Mann said the survey will assess the living standards of all communities while maintaining full confidentiality.
Highlighting the department’s achievements, he said Rs 3,847 crore has been spent on rural development in the last four years, compared to Rs 1,883 crore during 2017-22. In 2025-26, Rs 2,367.64 crore was spent, nearly double the previous year.
He said Rs 1,030.94 crore was used for infrastructure such as Panchayat buildings, libraries, Anganwadi centres and playgrounds, while Rs 1,336.70 crore was spent on drinking water, sanitation and other services.
Mann said illegal encroachments on Panchayat land were removed, and Rs 1,842.78 crore revenue was generated through leasing over four years. In 2025-26, about 1.35 lakh acres were leased, generating Rs 520.54 crore.
He said around 3,000 rural playgrounds are being developed at a cost of Rs 1,166 crore to engage youth and keep them away from drugs. Work on 2,400 grounds has started, and most will be completed by June.
The chief minister said 500 modern Panchayat buildings are being constructed in the second phase, while 251 village libraries are being developed, of which 231 are already complete.
On employment, he said Rs 5,146 crore has been spent under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) since 2022, generating jobs for 8.96 lakh people and 2.40 crore man-days. In 2025-26, 63,357 new job cards were issued.
Mann said 76,000 houses have been approved for rural families this year, including 30,000 for flood-affected families, with a target of building one lakh houses.
He said a major drive to clean 17,080 village ponds is underway, with work completed in thousands of ponds at a cost of Rs 235 crore.
According to the chief minister, 28,000 enumerators will be deployed for the caste survey with a budget of Rs 250 crore.
He also said 12,000 village defence committees have been formed to support anti-drug efforts, with over 1.25 lakh volunteers participating.
Mann said women empowerment initiatives have led to the formation of 58,303 self-help groups connecting 5.89 lakh families, with Rs 147 crore financial support.
He added that women dairy cooperatives are supplying one lakh litres of milk daily.
He alleged that the Centre is withholding Punjab’s funds and said the state will take up the issue at all levels.
He also opposed changes in MGNREGA, saying they could hurt rural employment.
Mann said the government is committed to smooth procurement of the wheat crop and warned against any disruption. PTI VSD PRK
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