1,924 newly elected panches take oath in Mohali

Singh appealed to all panchayats to put aside any factionalism that may have arisen during the elections and work together for the development and welfare of their villages.

He pointed out that the state government had demonstrated a change by paving the way for participation in panchayat elections without party symbols this time.

“The people have entrusted them (Panches) with the power of the pen and seal, which comes with an important responsibility that must be used wisely,” the minister said.

During the ceremony, Singh invited the elected panches, Bandna from Bhankharpur and Manpreet Kaur from Dhadak Kalan, on stage to motivate the women. It is worth mentioning that around 50% of the elected panels this time are women.

Meanwhile, Malvinder Singh Kang, Lok Sabha member from Sri Anandpur Sahib, highlighted the importance of Parliament as the largest unit and Gram Panchayat as the smallest unit of democracy. He pointed out that while Parliament takes decisions for the entire country, panchayats take decisions for the welfare of their villages. Calling the newly elected panches and sarpanches “soldiers of democracy”, Kang said they were responsible for village development works, youth power management, preparation of sports fields, maintain schools and undertake charitable works, such as health centers.

Mohali MP Kulwant Singh also encouraged panches to rise above partisan politics and factionalism and demonstrate their commitment through work.

The ceremony was also attended by Dera Bassi MP Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Milkfed Chairman Narinder Singh Shergill, District Planning Committee Chairman Prabhjot Kaur, Youth Development Board Chairman of Punjab, Parminder Singh Goldy, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Harsukhinder Singh Babbi Badal and Mohali Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain. Additional Deputy Commissioner Viraj S Tidke.