242 newly selected villages to receive ₹20 lakh each for infrastructure gaps; government says initiative aims to ensure inclusive rural development.
Chandigarh, June 27: The Punjab Government has released ₹72.21 crore under the Adarsh Gram Yojana to accelerate the development of villages with 40 per cent or more Scheduled Caste population, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced on Friday.
The funds have been released to all districts to strengthen rural infrastructure and support the preparation of Village Development Plans (VDPs). Administrative approval has been granted for 3,763 villages to conduct household surveys, prepare development plans and undertake other planning-related activities.
The Minister also announced that 242 newly selected villages have been sanctioned a gap-filling grant of ₹20 lakh each to address local infrastructure deficiencies identified through the Village Development Plans.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the initiative reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to ensuring equitable development across the state. She said the government aims to bridge developmental gaps, improve civic amenities and extend the benefits of growth to socially and economically weaker sections.
According to the Minister, the scheme promotes convergence with existing development programmes to ensure efficient utilisation of available resources and maximise outcomes. District-level committees headed by Deputy Commissioners will oversee planning, implementation and monitoring of the projects.
She added that the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities is working to transform Scheduled Caste-majority villages into model villages by improving essential infrastructure, expanding public amenities and enhancing the quality of life for residents.