Punjab Assembly: AAP MLA questions minister over non-bidding of panchayat land

On Friday, AMLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura from Payal questioned Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond over the non-bidding of an 11-acre panchayat land in Daulatpur village. Sond explained that the bid could not proceed due to the Sarpanch's suspension, and an administrator was appointed to conduct the process. He further stated that the department reviews progress monthly and auctions all leasable lands, increasing the lease amount by ₹4,000 per acre annually.

When Giaspura demanded proof of the bidding, Sond challenged him to resign if any bidding had indeed taken place within the year. Another AMLA from Rupnagar, Dinesh Chadha, questioned Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian about the alleged fraudulent ownership of 800 acres of panchayat land in Bara Phool village by influential mafia and officers.

Mundian requested an Advocate General's opinion before taking any action against the employees involved. AMLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa also questioned Mundian regarding the temporary relocation of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office to the municipal council's community office in Dera Bassi. Mundian assured the complex would be ready soon, but Randhawa expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a proper divisional complex, inadequate office locations, and long travel distances for the general public.