Special Measures by Punjab Government for the Safety of Elderly During Floods: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Elderly persons, along with their families, can temporarily stay in Old Age Homes if they wish: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, September 5:The Punjab Government has undertaken special measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the elderly during the devastation caused by floods across the state. The Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development has identified 479 elderly persons from flood-affected areas. With the support of district administrations and the Red Cross Society, assistance is being extended to these elderly persons. This was disclosed by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Giving further details, the Cabinet Minister said that Old Age Homes across Punjab have the capacity to accommodate around 700 elderly persons, and any needy senior citizens can take shelter in these facilities.

Dr. Baljit Kaur added that arrangements for food, health check-ups, accommodation, and other essential services have been made in Old Age Homes to provide a homely environment to the elderly. She assured that the Government is committed to ensuring that no elderly person feels lonely or distressed.

Sharing district-wise details, the Minister informed that 200 elderly persons have been identified from 15 villages of Amritsar, 112 from 12 villages of Gurdaspur, 40 from 4 villages of Ferozepur, 14 from 3 villages of Hoshiarpur, 34 from 7 villages of Kapurthala, 50 from 3 villages of Tarn Taran, 9 from 2 villages of Bathinda, and 20 from 3 villages of Fazilka.

Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed that if any elderly person faces difficulty, they may, along with their family members, temporarily stay in Old Age Homes.

The Minister emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government stands firmly with the flood-affected people and is extending every possible assistance to them.

================================

Food and Civil Supplies Department allocates 33000 litre petrol & 46500 diesel reserves to meet emergency needs in wake of floods

State Government fully committed to render all assistance to people: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Chandigarh, September 5:With a view to meet the contingencies in the wake of floods raging across Punjab, the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Depart has allotted a total of 33000 litre petrol, 46500 litre diesel reserves for all the petrol pumps in the State on per petrol pump basis besides, the allocation of 1320 gas cylinders on per gas agency basis.

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak revealed that for Amritsar District 4000 litres of petrol and 4000 litres of diesel reserves on per petrol pump basis have been allotted with 50 gas cylinders on per agency basis. Similarly, 1000 litres of petrol and 1500 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders stand allotted to Barnala, 1500 litres of petrol and 3000 litres of diesel with 25 gas cylinders have been allocated to Bathinda. Likewise, Petrol Pumps of Faridkot have been allotted 1000 litres each of Petrol & Diesel and 50 gas cylinders.

For Ferozepur and Fazilka, 1000 litres each of petrol & 2000 litres of diesel stand allotted with 50 gas cylinders, For Fatehgarh Sahib, 1000 litres of petrol and 1000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders, For Gurdaspur 2000 litres of petrol & 3000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders, For Hoshiarpur 500 litres of petrol and 1000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders, For Jalandhar 500 litres of petrol and 1000 litres of diesel with 100 gas cylinders, For Kapurthala 500 litres of petrol and 1000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders, For Ludhiana 1000 litres of petrol & 2000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders, For Malerkotla 1000 litres of petrol and 1000 litres of diesel with 25 gas cylinders and for Mansa, 1000 litres of petrol & 2000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders have been allotted.

Similarly, for Moga 1000 litres of petrol and 2000 litres of diesel with 100 gas cylinders, For Patiala, 2000 litres of petrol and 3000 litres of diesel with 65 gas cylinders, For Pathankot 2000 litres of petrol & 2000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders, For Rupnagar 2000 litres of petrol and 3000 litres of diesel with 100 gas cylinders, For S.A.S. Nagar 2000 litres of petrol and 3000 litres of diesel with 80 gas cylinders, For S.B.S. Nagar 2000 litres of petrol and 2000 litres of diesel with 100 gas cylinders, 1000 litres of petrol and 1000 litres of diesel with 25 gas cylinders for Sri Muktsar Sahib, 1000 litres of petrol and 1000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders for Sangrur, 3000 litres of petrol and 4000 litres of diesel with 50 gas cylinders for Tarntaran have been allotted as reserves.

=============================================

Rajya Sabha MP and Ministers come forward for hand holding of flood ravaged people of Dera Baba Nanak

Relief material trolleys flagged off for flood victims

"While the Modi government is helping Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, it should also urgently assist flood-affected Punjab," - Sanjay Singh

"The central government should release Punjab's withheld funds and also announce an immediate special relief package for the flood-affected areas," - Aman Arora

The Punjab government is working with full capacity on relief operations to tackle the floods - Aman Arora

Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, 5 September-Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sanjay Singh, along with Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora and Cabinet Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O., today visited the flood-affected areas of Dera Baba Nanak. On this occasion, Dera Baba Nanak MLA Mr. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, Amritsar South MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Dalwinderjeet Singh, SSP Batala Mr. Sohel Qasim Mir, newly appointed Chairman of the District Planning Committee and AAP District President Mr. Joban Randhawa, and Chairman of the Gurdaspur Improvement Trust Mr. Rajeev Sharma were also present.

This morning, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sanjay Singh, Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora, and Cabinet Minister Mr. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. first flagged off trolleys carrying relief materials for the flood victims at Shahpur Jajan Patti Rampur village. After this, they visited the Dera Baba Nanak area and the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to assess the damage caused by the floods.

Talking to the media on this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sanjay Singh said it is very unfortunate that many areas of Punjab are reeling under severe floods, with farmers losing crops, livestock, and ordinary people suffering massive financial losses, yet the Modi-led central government has not announced any special relief package for Punjab. He said the Modi government is extending help to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan but not to its own people in India. Questioning the central government, he asked why immediate relief materials were sent to Afghanistan, but there is a delay in providing financial and humanitarian aid to flood-hit Punjab. Mr. Sanjay Singh added that yesterday Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Shivraj Chouhan visited Punjab's flood-affected areas, but even he did not announce any relief for the state. He said that instead of merely talking about reports after so many days, the Union Agriculture Minister should announce a relief package for the affected people of Punjab. He further said that the central government should stop treating Punjab with stepmotherly behavior and extend a helping hand during this difficult time.

On this occasion, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora said that during this flood crisis, the Punjab government stands firmly with its people and will leave no stone unturned in dealing with this situation. He said that the entire machinery of the Punjab government is working with full capacity on relief operations in the flood-affected areas.

Mr. Aman Arora said that Aam Aadmi Party's National Convener Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Mr. Manish Sisodia, along with all ministers and MLAs of the Punjab government, are visiting the flood-affected areas to assess the damage on the ground and are also actively contributing to the relief and rescue operations. He further said that all volunteers of the Aam Aadmi Party are working day and night in the flood-affected areas for relief efforts. Additionally, he acknowledged that social service organizations are also making significant contributions to help the flood victims, for which the Punjab government is grateful.

Mr. Aman Arora said that Punjab, which has consistently contributed to the country’s food security and economic strength, should receive immediate and adequate assistance from the central government during this difficult time. He said it is very unfortunate that Punjab has been submerged in floods for several days, yet the Modi-led central government has not extended any help to the people of Punjab.

Mr. Aman Arora said that since the implementation of GST by the central government, Punjab has suffered a loss of ₹50,000 crore due to GST. In addition, the central government has deliberately withheld ₹8,000 crore belonging to Punjab from the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF). He said that instead of releasing Punjab’s rightful funds, the central government even canceled ₹828 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana just 15 days ago. He emphasized that this money comes from the taxes paid by the people of Punjab, and the state has a full right to it. Mr. Aman Arora demanded that the central government immediately release Punjab’s withheld funds and announce a special financial package to mitigate the impact of floods and restore the state’s economy.

=======================================

HARJOT BAINS LEADS TO SAVE ANCIENT TEMPLE IN NANGAL

*• Decrease of water level in Bhakhra Dam brings respite to the flood-hit areas: Harjot Bains*

*•Bains also oversees widespread relief and rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Ropar*

*EM thanked youth clubs, panchayats & social-religious organizations for their active participation*

Chandigarh/ Nangal, September 5:Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today has taken swift action to save the ancient Sri Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Nangal— a revered historical site— after it was partially damaged due to the strong currents of the Sutlej River. He, along with volunteers, local youth and officials, has been reinforcing the temple's premises with revetment to prevent further damage.

S. Bains said that efforts are also being made for allocating of Rs 1.27 crore for permanent reinforcement of the temple premises through Nagar Council, Nangal. Notably, the Education Minister has been overseeing relief and rescue efforts in affected villages and towns of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency.

"We are committed to protecting our cultural and religious heritage from the disaster and supporting those affected by the deluge. With collective efforts, we will overcome this challenge and restore normalcy,” said S. Bains, while extending gratitude to youth clubs, panchayats, social & religious organisations and officials for their active participation in the rescue and relief work.

Meanwhile, S. Harjot Singh Bains shared a significant relief update on the Bhakra Dam situation, stating that the water level has decreased to 1678.66 feet, down almost half a foot from yesterday's level of 1679.05 feet. This decrease brings respite to the flood-hit areas. He attributed the drop to reduced rainfall in the catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and favourable weather conditions.

S. Bains also extended helping hand to reinforce the riverbank at village Hariwal today. He said that Jumbo bags are being used to reinforce riverbanks in vulnerable areas for control of erosion occurring due to strong current of waters.

======================================

PUNJAB PAYS TRIBUTE TO DR. S. RADHAKRISHNAN ON TEACHERS’ DAY

CHANDIGARH, September 5:To commemorate this Teachers’ Day, the Punjab School Education Department on Friday, paid solemn respect to ‘Bharat Ratna’ Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President, respected philosopher, and educationist. Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year to mark the latter’s birth anniversary on September 5.

On the occasion, special tribute ceremonies were held in all districts where officers, staff, and teachers gathered to honour the contribution of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and to reaffirm the invaluable role of teachers in shaping society and guiding future generations.

Meanwhile, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains also remembered Dr. S. Radhakrishnan on Teachers’ Day. He said Teachers are role models who play a vital role in shaping students' lives by not only imparting knowledge but also inspiring and motivating them to become better individuals. S. Bains also exhorted teachers to continue extending their support in flood relief efforts to overcome this challenge.

Administrative Secretary School Education, Punjab Ms. Anindita Mitra said that with the entire state of Punjab is currently reeling under the impact of unprecedented floods, the Teachers’ Day celebrations at state level— where state awards are conferred upon teachers with remarkable achievements — have been postponed this year.

She said that while the formal state-level celebrations have been deferred, the spirit of Teachers’ Day was upheld with heartfelt remembrance of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s ideals, reaffirming the department’s commitment to the cause of education and the tireless efforts of teachers who continue to inspire generations.

======================================

Sewerage problem of Devi Wala Road Kotkapura to be resolved permanently, Says Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan

*Rs. 18.32 crore will be spent on this project*

Chandigarh/Kotkapura, 05 September:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed that the sewerage work from Devi Wala Road Kotkapura 8 MLD STP to the drain of village Devi Wala is going to start at the earliest. The Punjab Government will spend Rs. 18 crore 32 lakh on this project.

Seeing the gravity of the problem, Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan paid special attention to this project under which a tender worth Rs. 18 crore 32 lakh has been floated for this work, which will be opened on October 8 and thereafter work on this project will be commenced. Consequently, the sewerage problem of this area will be resolved permanently.

Deputy Commissioner Faridkot Punamdeep Kaur said that the sludge carrier (open drain) of the Devi Wala Road Kotkapura area was very old which caused leakage from different places and during the rainy season, a huge problem of sewerage arises at this place. Due to this persistent problem, residents of this area had to face a lot of trouble.

Furthermore, the Sewerage Board SDO B.S Gill said that a sewerage pipe is to be laid from Devi Wala Road Kotkapura 8 MLD STP to the drain of village Devi Wala and the length of pipe will be 5150 meters.

========================================

Mohinder Bhagat Appreciates PESCO Employees for Contributing One Day’s Salary to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund

Chandigarh, September 5 –In support of flood-affected families of Punjab, employees of Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) have contributed ₹5 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The amount was generated through voluntary donation of one day’s salary by the employees.

Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat lauded the gesture, saying: “Ex-servicemen have always stood tall in times of crisis. This contribution is a reflection of their unwavering commitment to serve society even beyond their active service. I sincerely thank all employees of PESCO for extending a helping hand to our fellow Punjabis during this difficult time.”

He added that such contributions strengthen the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts being carried out under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Earlier, Managing Director Major General Harmandeep Singh (Retd.) informed Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat about the contribution.

========================================