Minister visits flood-hit areas in Gurdaspur, talks to dist officials

Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Government of India, Shobha Karandlaje arrived at the city airport on Saturday. She was received by senior officials of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Offices, Amritsar and Jalandhar. She then proceeded to visit flood-affected areas in Gurdaspur district. It is noteworthy that this visit followed the inspection and review undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Punjab.

Karandlaje inspected the confluence place of the Ravi and Beas rivers and visited several affected villages, including Marara, Makorda Patan and Awen.

During her visit, the minister held discussions with officials of the district administration to review the progress of relief and rehabilitation measures. She also met flood-affected families, listened to their concerns and assured them of government support.

While addressing the concerns of local residents, she said, “The Central Government stands firmly with the people of Punjab in this hour of crisis. All possible assistance will be extended in coordination with the state government and the local administration to ensure effective relief and rehabilitation.”

She further stated that the Central Government is committed to extending welfare benefits to the affected people.

“Farmers are being supported under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). We are also also working to provide ESI and Provident Fund benefits to all gig and platform workers. In addition, affordable and quality medicines are being made available to the common people through the Jan Aushadhi Kendras, benefitting especially the working class,” she added.

Apart from this, she held a meeting with the ADC at the BSF headquarters.