PATIALA: To promote health and hygiene at the grassroots level Punjab state has decided to form health committees in each village. This was disclosed by Dr. Balbir Singh, Health Minister of Punjab here today soon after administrating oath to 6, 276 Panches of Patiala District.
Dr. Balbir said that the committee will encourage people of the village for better and improved envrionment. He, however, assured a grant of ₹10, 000 for every committee to promote health and hygiene at the grassroots level.
Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted the efforts of the state government to combat the menace and appealed to the Panchayats to actively participate in the Drug-Free Village Mission. He encouraged members to utilize the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to create employment opportunities and reminded them of their authority to implement village-level budgets for development.
The minister also urged Gram Panchayats to convene Gram Sabha meetings without delay and begin drafting comprehensive development plans. He called for greater focus on environmental sustainability, including tree plantation drives and the promotion of Nanakshahi agriculture. He stressed the importance of managing liquid and solid waste in villages, suggesting the renovation of ponds for agricultural water use and initiatives to create a plastic-free and garbage-free environment.
Dr. Balbir Singh further encouraged the organization of health, education, and employment awareness programs alongside religious satsangs in villages.
Earlier, he administered the oath to 6, 276 newly elected Panches of 1, 022 Gram Panchayats in Patiala district at a ceremony held at the New Polo Ground on Sangrur Road.