Chandigarh, 07 November 2024: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is set to administer the oath of office to newly elected Sarpanches at a state-level function on Friday in Cycle Valley, Dhanansoo village, Ludhiana. The event, designed to bolster grassroots democracy, will see Mann officiate the oath-taking of 10,031 Sarpanches from 19 districts.
Reportedly, these officials represent a portion of the 13,147 gram panchayats from 23 districts, elected in Punjab’s recent panchayat elections.
Following the recent by-elections in Giddarbaha, Chabewal, Barnala, and Dera Baba Nanak constituencies, Sarpanches from the remaining four districts—Sri Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Barnala, and Gurdaspur—along with 81,808 newly elected panches across 23 districts, will also be sworn in.
The Punjab government has mentioned its commitment to fair and transparent panchayat elections as this cycle was notably conducted without political party symbols to reduce factionalism and promote unity within villages. The ban on party symbols for candidates was intended to support village cohesion and rural development.
In a call for community solidarity, CM Mann encouraged Punjabis to elect panchayats unanimously, fostering unity for village advancement. The appeal resonated widely, resulting in the unopposed election of 3,037 Sarpanches, including 336 in Ferozepur, 335 in Gurdaspur, and 334 in Tarn Taran.
Thousands of attendees, including panchayat representatives from across Punjab, are expected at the event.
Moreover, the state administration has organized extensive arrangements for public convenience, including traffic and parking management, ensuring smooth access for participants traveling from afar.
