Chandigarh, August 29:
Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today said during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking immediate and appropriate steps to ensure safety and relief for the people affected by floods. She emphasized that protecting human lives and providing security to citizens is the government’s foremost priority.
Special Arrangements for Senior Citizens
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that currently 41 Old Age Homes are operational in Punjab, with a total capacity of housing 572 senior citizens, which is being expanded to 700. She said that elderly persons affected by floods will be provided safe accommodation, food, clothing, medicines, and regular medical checkups in these homes. She added that District Social Security Officers, District Programme Officers, Child Protection Officers and Anganwadi workers have been deployed to safely relocate the elderly to secure places.She said that as a special measure, the Punjab Government has directed the concerned district authorities to utilize all Old Age Homes in the state as temporary shelter homes for the flood-affected people.
Initiatives for Children
The Minister said that Anganwadi Centres in flood-hit areas have been prepared as safe shelters for children. Through these centres, khichdi, porridge, and other ready-to-eat meals will be provided. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are also covered under this plan. For child-related emergencies, the 1098 helpline will remain functional 24×7.
Support for Women
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that Sakhi One Stop Centres are equipped to provide special assistance to pregnant and needy women. In addition, free sanitary pads are being distributed to flood-affected women.
Helpline Services
The Minister announced that dedicated helpline numbers have been activated for immediate assistance:
For Children: 1098
For Women: 181
For Senior Citizens: 14567
Chief Minister’s Helpline: 1812240064
All these helplines will operate round the clock, and every call will receive prompt action.
Assurance to People
Dr. Baljit Kaur assured that the Punjab Government is not only committed to relocating people to safe shelters during floods but is also fully prepared to prevent the outbreak of diseases in the aftermath. She reaffirmed the government’s determination to make every possible effort to support flood-affected families.
