Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday underlined his government’s commitment to shaping a progressive, future-ready Punjab, asserting that while his administration is focused on preparing the state’s youth to become doctors, engineers and skilled professionals, the Akali Dal is attempting to push the state backwards through outdated and regressive politics.
Interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said the Aam Aadmi Party-led government has placed education and employment at the core of its governance model. He stated that the government is investing heavily in schools, healthcare and skill development so that Punjabi youth can compete globally and lead dignified lives. In contrast, he accused the Akali Dal of having damaged an entire generation by allowing the drug menace to spread during its tenure, and now indulging in political theatrics instead of offering constructive alternatives.
In a sharp yet humorous remark, Bhagwant Mann said that the “dinosaur politics” of the Akali Dal exists only as an inflated illusion and would soon be deflated by the people of Punjab. He said the public is no longer receptive to fear-based or regressive narratives and wants tangible development, honest governance and opportunities for their children.
Highlighting reforms in the education sector, the Chief Minister described the massive participation of 23.3 lakh parents in recent teacher-parent meetings at government schools as a landmark achievement. He said this reflects renewed public trust in government schools and marks a significant shift from the past, when such engagement was largely limited to private institutions. Mann said these meetings have strengthened accountability, improved learning outcomes and created a positive ecosystem for students, laying the foundation for Punjab’s long-term growth.
Responding to questions on protests during a Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand, the Chief Minister said the matter should be taken up at the diplomatic level by the Government of India. He reiterated that Punjab has a large diaspora and issues related to migration have become global in nature. Mann affirmed that his government remains fully committed to protecting the interests, dignity and rights of Punjabis, both within the country and abroad.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister held a detailed review meeting with panchayats in the Dhuri Assembly constituency to assess the progress of development projects. Addressing elected representatives, he urged them to stay closely connected with village-level issues and resolve public grievances with sensitivity and efficiency. He stressed that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act should be utilised to its full potential to provide employment to the needy while ensuring timely completion of development works.
Bhagwant Mann called upon sarpanches, panchayat members, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad representatives to rise above political affiliations and work collectively for development. He said the government’s vision is to ensure that every village in Punjab is equipped with facilities comparable to urban areas. Community centres, he said, should be completed on priority so that common people derive maximum benefit.
Assuring full institutional support, the Chief Minister said there would be no shortage of funds for panchayats and that close coordination among officials is essential to maintain quality and transparency in development works. He also announced plans to connect every village through a mini-bus service, with bus permits to be issued to local youth, thereby creating employment and improving rural connectivity.
Earlier, congratulating the newly elected members of Zila Parishads and Block Committees, Bhagwant Mann said their oath-taking ceremony would be held in the first week of January, followed by structured training sessions at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration to familiarise them with their roles and responsibilities.
Expressing satisfaction over the pace of grassroots development, the Chief Minister said that for the first time, meaningful development work is underway in every village. He said this reflects the government’s seriousness in delivering transparent, inclusive and people-centric governance, with the ultimate aim of building a modern, self-reliant and prosperous Punjab.
