3 days ago
Sarpanch from Punjab former minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra's village draws CM Bhagwant Mann's attention to govt apathy, lack of development funds
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Patiala: The sarpanch of Jouramajra, the native village of former cabinet minister and MLA (Samana) Chetan Singh Jouramajra, Wednesday drew CM Bhagwant Mann's attention to the lack of development and the continued neglect of the village by sitting MLA (Shutrana), Kulwant Singh Baazigar of AAP.
Speaking during the 'AAP Sarkar Aapke Dwar' programme here, sarpanch Avatar Singh urged the CM to urgently sanction funds for Jouramajra. "Despite being an AAP stronghold, Jouramajra has received no attention in the past three years. Neither has MLA Kulwant Singh Baazigar visited our village, nor have any development grants been sanctioned during his tenure," he alleged.
Jouramajra, which falls under the Shutrana assembly segment in Patiala district, has roughly a population of about 1,500.
Despite its political significance, having produced a cabinet minister in the past, residents claim the village remains devoid of basic infrastructure improvements.
During the recent panchayat elections, Avatar, who is said to be a close confidant of Chetan Singh Jouramajra, defeated Laddi Singh — allegedly backed by MLA Kulwant Singh Baazigar—from a general category seat, despite being a dalit candidate.
Outlining the key demands of the village, the sarpanch highlighted the need to upgrade the govt school from Class 8 to Class 10, citing safety concerns for students, particularly girls, who currently travel 5km daily to the nearest school in Dhanetha.
Other demands include the setting up of a library or dispensary, a stadium, a marriage hall for the underprivileged, and an embroidery training centre for girls.
"Though Rs 3 lakh was approved under Mgnrega for the stadium with the help of former minister Jouramajra, this amount is insufficient," Avatar said. He acknowledged the efforts of the former minister in installing solar lights and rejuvenating a village pond but emphasised that much more needs to be done.
"I had put forth these demands before our MLA, but nothing has been done so far. Some are criticising me for raising this issue before the CM, but I ask — what wrong have I done by standing up for my village?" Avatar said.
Following the sarpanch's plea, the CM reportedly instructed concerned officials to take swift action, offering a glimmer of hope to the villagers who have long awaited tangible development.
The episode reignited discussions over intraparty dynamics within AAP and the alleged sidelining of villages aligned with certain political figures, despite being part of the same political fold.
MLA Kulwant Singh Baazigar couldn't respond as he was busy in a meeting.
Deputy commissioner (Patiala) Preeti Yadav, too, did not respond to repeated phone calls and messages.
