Punjab govt sets up 24x7 helpline, deploys senior officers to assist Punjabis stranded in Middle East

ADGP R K Jaiswal named helpline in-charge; Home Affairs secretary Vimal Setia appointed nodal officer to coordinate with MEA.

The Punjab government has set up a 24x7 helpline and deployed senior officials to coordinate assistance for Punjabis stranded in the Middle East amid the ongoing crisis in the region.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann. The state government has set up a 24x7 helpline and appointed senior officers to assist Punjabis stranded in the Middle East.

According to an official statement issued on Thursday, the move was taken on the directions of chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure a safe and smooth return of residents of Punjab stuck in affected countries.

Additional director general of police R K Jaiswal has been appointed overall in-charge of the helpline, while Vimal Setia, secretary in the department of home affairs, has been designated as the nodal officer to coordinate and monitor the process.

The nodal officer will remain in constant contact with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and track measures being undertaken by the Union government for the evacuation and safety of Indians stranded in the Middle East and neighbouring regions.

Officials said a proper record of calls received on the helpline will be maintained and requests will be addressed promptly. Matters requiring intervention from the MEA or other authorities will be taken up on priority through the nodal officer.

Mann said the step was taken in view of the emerging situation affecting residents of Punjab in the Gulf region and other countries. The state government, he said, is committed to providing all necessary assistance and support to Punjabis and their families during the crisis.