Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued stringent directives to senior officials, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption or illegal activities within the state. Moreover, CM Mann said that if anyone is found involved in smuggling of drugs then the Police will freeze his/her property within a week. He said that the officers have been directed to implement this policy zealously to check the peddling of drugs. He has declared that if any officer in any district is found engaging in corrupt practices, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of the respective district will be held accountable. CM Mann also added that 10,000 people will be hired in each rank of the police to strengthen the police force.
In a meeting with all Deputy Commissioners on Monday, CM Mann announced the establishment of a 'Chief Minister Sahayata Kendra' in each district to facilitate timely public service delivery. He highlighted that development work had been hindered by the model code of conduct, which was in effect for over two months due to the Lok Sabha elections. Mann directed the DCs to expedite the completion of pending projects and ensure that citizens face no difficulties in government offices, such as those of the Patwari.
Addressing corruption, CM Mann stated, "Complaints have been received indicating ongoing corruption at lower levels. I have given strict instructions that if any officer demands money or engages in illegal activities, the DC and SSP will be held responsible and appropriate action will be taken." He reiterated the state government's commitment to providing a transparent, accountable, and efficient administration.
The Chief Minister further elaborated on the operational details of the 'Chief Minister Sahayata Kendra'. A dedicated officer will manage each center, receiving applications from the public and forwarding them to the relevant departments for prompt action. Matters requiring state government intervention will be routed through the Chief Minister’s office.
CM Mann also introduced plans for a 'Chief Minister Dashboard' employing artificial intelligence to monitor the presence and performance of government officials. This dashboard will continuously track district activities and gather public feedback on their applications and unresolved issues, ensuring that officials provide consistent service.
Additionally, CM Mann announced plans to visit flood-prone areas along the Ghaggar River to conduct random checks and assess the on-ground preparedness.