Chandigarh, March 5: The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has established a dedicated round-the-clock helpline to facilitate the safe return of residents currently stranded in the conflict-hit Middle East. The initiative aims to provide a streamlined coordination point for families in Punjab seeking assistance for their relatives abroad.
To manage the emergency operations, the state has appointed two senior officials to oversee the process. Additional Director General of Police RK Jaiswal has been named the overall in-charge of the helpline, while Vimal Setia, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, will serve as the Nodal Officer for inter-departmental coordination.
“This step has been taken in view of the emergent situation concerning residents of Punjab stranded in Middle East Asia and other countries,” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated.
The Nodal Officer has been tasked with maintaining constant liaison with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to monitor evacuation efforts and safety protocols. Mr. Mann affirmed that the state administration is dedicated to providing every possible resource to help those caught in the regional crisis.
“The Punjab Government stands firmly with the Punjabis stuck in the Gulf region and is fully committed to extending all possible support and cooperation to them,” the Chief Minister declared.
The administration noted that a comprehensive record of all incoming calls will be maintained to ensure prompt responses. Officials maintained that any urgent matters requiring federal intervention would be escalated to the Government of India on a priority basis to ensure no time is lost in the rescue efforts.
