CM Bhagwant Mann announced a total infrastructure overhaul of Dhudike, the birthplace of Lala Lajpat Rai, to transform it into a high-tech “model village” by 2027.
The Punjab government has doubled the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna cover to ₹10 lakh per family and announced the return of bullock cart racing after a 16-year ban.
In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced on Wednesday that Rai’s birthplace, Dhudike, will be transformed into a premier model village. Attending the 71st Lala Lajpat Rai Janam Diwas Khed Mela in Moga, the Chief Minister pledged a complete upgrade of the village’s sewerage, ponds, and sports infrastructure within one year. Breaking standard security protocols to mingle with the crowd, CM Mann emphasized that his government is moving beyond “paper plans” to deliver visible results. He also utilized the platform to highlight the state’s landmark expansion of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, which now offers a record ₹10 lakh in cashless health insurance to all 65 lakh families in Punjab.
Dhudike holds a sacred place in India’s revolutionary history as the home of the “Lion of Punjab.” For decades, residents and the local Panchayat have sought modernization of their basic utilities. CM Mann’s promise to return on the next birth anniversary to inaugurate these completed projects marks a new era of accountability in rural governance.
Simultaneously, the state is witnessing a cultural and healthcare renaissance. The recent launch of the universal ₹10 lakh health insurance—doubling the previous ₹5 lakh limit—removes income caps and includes government employees and pensioners. Culturally, the revival of bullock cart racing (set for the Kila Raipur Mini Olympics starting January 31) signals the government’s intent to protect Punjab’s “indigenous soul” after a 16-year hiatus caused by legal hurdles.
Bhagwant Singh Mann (Chief Minister, Punjab): “I am a common man first. Watching these traditional sports and seeking blessings from our elders gives me more satisfaction than any office. We are restoring Punjab’s pristine glory by fixing the basics—from ₹10 lakh health cover to modernizing our historical villages.”
Dhudike Village Panchayat: “For the first time, we have a CM who sat with us to watch Kabaddi and promised that every single demand for our sewerage and playgrounds will be met within months, not years.”
Health Sector Experts: “Expanding the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna to ₹10 lakh makes Punjab a national benchmark in universal healthcare. Including diagnostic services alongside surgery costs is a critical move for early disease detection.”
Sports Enthusiasts: “The return of bullock cart races at Kila Raipur is like our traditions have been given a new lease on life. It’s about the spirit and strength of rural Punjab.”
The CM’s visit to Dhudike served as a showcase for several state initiatives:
Rural Infrastructure: Immediate approval for new sewerage lines and modern sports complexes in the Moga district.
Healthcare Expansion: Coverage for 65 lakh families (approx. 3 crore citizens) under a cashless treatment model at both government and empanelled private hospitals.
Heritage Preservation: Commitment to indigenous games like Kabaddi and hockey to wean youth away from drugs and toward physical excellence.
Regional Rights: Reiteration of the state’s resolve to reclaim Chandigarh as Punjab’s exclusive capital and secure a separate High Court.
CM Mann’s shift toward “Model Village” clusters and high-cap social safety nets is a clear sign of the AAP government’s focus on long-term sustainability. By fixing 100% of the rural demands in Dhudike, the government is creating a prototype for decentralized development across Punjab.
