Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced that every village Sarpanch in the state will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 starting August 15. The decision, hailed as historic by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, was made public during a Sarpanch Milni event in Bathinda on Wednesday, June 25, 2026.
Kejriwal termed the move a landmark initiative only the AAP government could have delivered. He congratulated both the Sarpanches and CM Mann, stating that those who serve their villages day and night deserve dignity and recognition. The AAP chief said the decision underscores the Mann government's commitment to grassroots democracy and rural development.
Addressing the gathering, CM Mann noted that previous governments had promised an honorarium of ₹1,200 but never fulfilled it, forcing Sarpanches to run from pillar to post. His administration initially raised it to ₹2,000 and has now enhanced it to ₹10,000 per month. “Panchayats are the first step of democracy,” Mann said. “Sarpanches serve their villages day and night. They deserve a respectable honorarium for their dedicated service.”
Mann emphasized that around 70% of India’s population lives in villages, making Panchayati Raj Institutions the lighthouse of democracy. He asserted that when villages progress, Punjab progresses. “This increase will help Sarpanches support their families better while enabling them to work with even greater commitment towards village development,” he added.
The Chief Minister concluded by promising full support and cooperation to Sarpanches for the comprehensive development of villages and the prosperity of their people, reiterating his government’s dedication to building a prosperous and ‘Rangla’ Punjab.
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📰 Source: The Hindu National