Punjab Govt set up 24x7 helpline to assist Punjabis stranded in West Asia

As tensions continue to rise amid the West Asia conflict, the Punjab Government on Monday announced 24x7 helplines to assist Punjabis stranded in Central Asia and the Middle East.

NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said the state was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to ensure their safe evacuation, while urging the Centre-state cooperation for the prompt return of those affected.

Announcing this at Punjab Bhawan, NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh stated: “We are getting phone calls from Central Asia and most of them are Punjabi tourists. The Punjab Government stands firmly with every Punjabi stranded abroad and we will make every effort to ensure their safe evacuation and return home,” he assured.

He said, “Helpline numbers 0172-2260042, 0172-2260043 for foreign nationals and 1100 for residents of India have been rolled out to provide immediate assistance and coordination.” He added that the helpline service would function 24 hours a day to provide guidance, collect information and coordinate with the concerned authorities for evacuation and support.

A committee has also been formed under ADGP, NRI Wing, RK Jaiswal in this regard, added the Minister.

He added, “The Punjab Government is keen to hold an early meeting with the Centre to ensure coordination and sincere efforts are being made for the safe evacuation of the stranded persons. We believe that through mutual cooperation between the state and the Centre, we can expedite the relief measures and provide timely assistance to our beleaguered people.”

Reaffirming administrative preparedness, Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said that the NRI Affairs Department, in coordination with the Home Department and other concerned agencies, is actively collecting data of the affected persons and working on emergency plans to facilitate their safe passage back home.