Ludhiana City expected to lead mobilising efforts under ‘Chardi Kalan’: Arora

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched ‘Mission Chardi Kalan’ on Wednesday through a virtual meeting with deputy commissioners and ministers, directing them to mobilise Rs 13,800 crore for the rehabilitation of residents after the recent floods.

Industries and NRI Affairs Minister Sanjeev Arora, who attended the launch, told The Tribune that Ludhiana, being an industrial hub, was expected to play a leading role in mobilising donations. “I will personally oversee the effort to rebuild Punjab. Under the CSR initiative, industrialists can contribute generously, and many have already shown willingness,” said Arora.

An official, requesting anonymity, said district authorities had been instructed to approach city industrialists for donations. “Funds can be deposited directly into the government account. If they want, the industrialists can surely contribute to this noble cause. Nothing will be imposed; we will only request them to come forward,” the official remarked.

On the Chief Minister’s appeal, Upkar Singh, president of CICU, said members had already contributed Rs 50 lakh to the district Red Cross. “Now that the CM has made a clarion call, we will once again ask members to donate voluntarily,” he said.

Similarly, Pankaj Sharma, representing the Association of Trade and Industrial Undertaking, said their members had earlier provided ration, medical kits, and cash assistance to people in flood-hit areas. “If more is required, we are ready to step in to help Punjab overcome this crisis,” he assured.

At the same time, the problem now would be that most businessmen, industrialists and traders, on their individual capacity or with the associations they are attached, have already contributed to the relief effort, now they would again be contributing for the same if the government machinery or the minister asks. Gurmeet Singh Kular, president, FICO, said through one organisation, he and many members of the FICO had already contributed immensely to the flood victims at Ajnala. “We are still contributing for the same in the form of medical kits, JCB machines, fogging machines, sleeping nets and so on,” said Kular.