Panchayat members want to live up to residents’ expectations

Mahesh Sharma
Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 11

Newly elected members of village panchayats in the district intend to keep political allegiance and factionalism secondary to living up to the expectations of residents.

While Congress-supported sarpanches and panches intend to undertake development works on merit basis, those who have defeated Congress-supported candidates will keep aside their political ideologies for undertaking development of their localities.

Having been administered oath by Punjab Government Cabinet Minister Tripat Rajinder Bajwa, Assi Kalan sarpanch Jagdeep Singh said he would leave no stone unturned for upgrading the standard of living of all residents of his village.

“Though during my last term, we had to depend upon contributions by residents and Non-resident Indians (NRI) for undertaking even small projects, now we will not hesitate from demanding grants from senior Congress functionaries, including legislator and Member of Parliament of the area and the Zila Parishad Chief,” said Jagdeep Singh who won as an independent candidate.

Upgrade of schools, development of playgrounds and safe drinking water for all topped the priority list of newly elected panchayat members.

Kila Raipur sarapnch Gian Singh aired similar views as he had also won the election as an independent candidate.

“The candidates were rivals till the conclusion of elections, now we are representatives of residents of our village and wards. We might be following the ideologies of any political outfit, but as office-bearers of panchayat, it is our duty to coordinate with senior functionaries of the ruling party and undertake the development of the area,” said Gian Singh.

Ravdeep Singh, Congress-supported sarpanch of Pohir village, said development of all wards would be undertaken without any discrimination.

Focus on development

• Elected members intend to keep factionalism at bay and political allegiance secondary. Upgrade of schools, development of playgrounds and safe drinking water for all topped the priority list of newly elected panchayat members.
• Congress-supported sarpanches and panches intend to undertake development works on merit basis.