CM Mann Vows Corruption-Free Tehsils in Punjab, Criticizes Patiala Royals and Akalis
Dudan Saadhan (Patiala), June 10 — In a bold declaration against systemic corruption, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that tehsils and sub-tehsils across the state are swiftly moving toward becoming corruption-free. Addressing a public gathering during the inauguration of a new Tehsil Complex in Patiala, CM Mann emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption and launched a fierce critique of past political leadership in the region.
Overhauling Governance in Revenue Offices
CM Mann revealed that when his government took office, many revenue officers operated with impunity, believing they held a “divine right” to extort money through corrupt practices. “They threatened the public and went on mass leaves to blackmail the system,” Mann said. “But our government stood firm. We are here to serve people, not indulge corruption.”
Through administrative reshuffling and a strict crackdown, the government has transferred several tainted officers and introduced digital governance initiatives. Among the reforms, online land registration has emerged as a game changer. Citizens can now pay stamp duties and registration fees digitally, reducing dependency on private deed writers and eliminating cash transactions—two major hotspots for corrupt practices.
Empowering Citizens with Digital Tools
Mann highlighted the implementation of Easy Registration for land deeds, which allows self-reliance in transactions. “The consolidated digital payment system has replaced outdated and corrupt systems involving demand drafts and cash handling,” he added.
He likened corruption to cancer and stated that stern administrative action is the only chemotherapy capable of curing the system. These efforts, he said, align with the broader mission of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to create transparent governance—a promise that propelled the party to power.
Scathing Remarks on Patiala Royals and Akalis
In a politically charged segment of his speech, CM Mann did not hold back his criticism of the erstwhile rulers of Patiala. “They decorated their own palaces while the city decayed,” he said. “Their focus was self-development, not public development.”
He also accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of misusing religious institutions like the SGPC and Sri Akal Takht Sahib for political and financial gain. “They turned the SGPC into the ‘Shiromani Golak Prabandhak Committee’,” he quipped, blaming the Badal family for manipulating appointments and religious decisions to suit their agendas.
Women’s Empowerment and Inclusive Governance
Mann also made a call for greater women’s participation in politics, stating that while women excel in every other field, politics has remained a male-dominated space. “We need women at the decision-making table,” he asserted, encouraging active involvement to shape an egalitarian society.
Employment and Merit-Based Governance
Highlighting the government’s achievements, CM Mann announced that over 54,000 government jobs have been distributed purely on merit, without corruption or nepotism. “Youth empowerment is critical to Punjab’s future,” he said, underscoring the AAP government’s commitment to transparent hiring processes.