Chandigarh, March 6 – In an effort to ensure the safe, smooth, and trouble-free return of Punjab citizens stranded in the conflict-ridden West Asia, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has deployed two senior state government officers to coordinate and oversee the entire process.
Following the instructions of Chief Minister Mann on Thursday, a 24x7 helpline has already been established with immediate effect.
Additional Director General of Police R.K. Jaiswal has been designated as the overall in-charge of the helpline, while Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Vimal Setia, has been appointed as the nodal officer for coordination and monitoring purposes.
The nodal officer has been asked to maintain constant contact with the Ministry of External Affairs.
The nodal officer will keep track of the measures being taken by the Union government to evacuate and ensure the safety of Indian citizens stranded in West Asia and other countries.
Similarly, a complete record of all calls received on the helpline will be maintained, and these calls will be promptly addressed.
Whenever any matter needs to be addressed with the Ministry of External Affairs, or any other department or authority, the nodal officer will ensure that it is handled with priority.
Chief Minister Mann said, "This step has been taken in view of the urgent situation concerning residents of Punjab stranded in West Asia and other countries. The sole aim is to provide necessary assistance and support to them and their families during this grave and unforeseen crisis."
"The Punjab government stands firmly with the Punjabis stranded in the Gulf region and is fully committed to providing all possible support and cooperation to them."
