Giani Gargaj launches website to help in flood relief works

Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Friday launched the sarkarekhalsa.org website from the secretariat of Akal Takht to coordinate relief services for the flood-affected people in Punjab.

He appealed to all organisations, institutions, groups and individuals engaged in relief work in Punjab to register their services on the platform so that assistance to the flood-affected can be provided in a systematic manner.

He said the recent floods caused massive loss of life and property. Many Sikh individuals and institutions approached the Akal Takht with the concern that while relief services were being carried out, it was lacking in coordination and transparency, making it essential to ensure that dasvandh (community contribution) is used effectively and the aid reaches the needy.

On September 13, a meeting was convened by the Akal Takht with all organisations and personalities doing the sewa (voluntary service) of relief work, during which valuable suggestions were received. Based on these, a decision to launch the website was taken.

The jathedar said that initially, the platform will provide six types of services — field levelling, repair, construction of houses, livestock, medical, education and others. The jathedar added that many organisations have already welcomed the initiative and it is expected that this coordinated effort will bring effective relief and rehabilitation for flood victims.

He said any Punjab resident, regardless of their faith or religion, may register on the website either to seek help or to offer their services. Once registered, the information will be verified by designated volunteers of the Akal Takht, and upon verification, tasks will be assigned to the organisations concerned offering the required sewa. Individuals willing to serve as volunteers can also register on the platform.

The website also provides WhatsApp ( 91 8083080840) chat connectivity, along with detailed guidelines on how the platform functions. Each registered jathebandi, organisation, individual or business will receive a separate login ID and password to access the portal, report incidents or

needs, track services rendered and update status. Similarly, families or individuals requiring assistance will also be able to use this facility.