CHANDIGARH: 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.
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.
