Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said the state government has so far identified 370 Punjabis stranded in the Gulf region and is coordinating with the Union Government to ensure their safe return.
Speaking during a Lok Milni programme in Bhullarheri village of Sangrur district, Mann said the state administration was in constant touch with the Centre regarding the issue. He added that necessary efforts were underway to facilitate the safe evacuation of those affected.
“We have already taken up the matter with the Union Government and efforts are underway to bring them back safely,” Mann said.
The Chief Minister also lashed out at the Shiromani Akali Dal over allegations that he owns 2,400 acres of land, describing the claims as baseless. Mann accused senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia of indulging in personal attacks and using derogatory language against political opponents. He said such conduct had damaged Majithia’s own political standing.
Mann further criticised the Akali leadership for claiming credit for the state’s development during its tenure. He said that if the Akali leadership credited former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal for all development works carried out during their government, they must also accept responsibility for incidents that occurred during the same period.
Highlighting the initiatives of his government, Mann said the state had launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which families are entitled to cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh. He added that the government had also provided free electricity to more than 90 percent of households.
The Chief Minister said that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics had been set up across Punjab to strengthen primary healthcare services. He also claimed that the government had provided more than 63,000 government jobs during the past four years without any bribe or recommendation.