Chandigarh:
With a significant number of Punjabis stranded amid the escalating Middle East conflict, NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh on Tuesday met Union Civil Aviation Minister K R Naidu and sought immediate launch of rescue flights, operation of special aircraft and a cap on “exploitative” airfares to ensure their safe and swift return. “There is an urgent need to resume flights and operate special evacuation services. Our people cannot be left stranded in this crisis,” he asserted.
Highlighting the hardships being faced by the Punjabi diaspora due to the ongoing conflict and regional instability in the Middle East, Dr Ravjot Singh stated, “A significant portion of Punjab’s population resides and works in various Middle Eastern countries. The cancellation of numerous scheduled flights has left many of our NRI brothers and sisters stranded, while their families back home are in deep distress.”
He urged the Union Minister to coordinate with airlines to restore operations on all safe corridors and operate special aircraft to clear the backlog of passengers. “Many essential routes have been suspended, creating a massive backlog of travellers. There is an urgent need to resume flights and operate special evacuation or relief flights for those stuck in high tension zones or those needing to return home for emergencies,” he said.
Raising the issue of rising ticket prices, Dr Ravjot Singh added, “It has been observed that due to the reduced frequency of flights, several airlines have increased their fares to exploitative levels. I request you to implement a price cap on these routes to prevent the financial exploitation of citizens during this crisis.”
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Punjab minister revealed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also had a telephonic conversation with K R Naidu during the meeting and urged that the state government be allowed to arrange special flights to bring Punjabis back home safely without delay. “The Chief Minister has conveyed deep concern over the situation and requested that Punjab be permitted to arrange special flights, if required, to ensure the safe evacuation of our people,” he said.
Dr Ravjot Singh further stated that the Union Civil Aviation Minister has assured that the concerns raised by the Punjab Government will be considered on priority. “The Union Government is already working on the matter as Indian citizens from several states are stranded in Gulf countries,” he added.
The NRI Affairs Minister also visited the facilitation centre set up by the Punjab Government at IGI Airport to ensure all necessary assistance for Punjabis returning from Gulf countries.
The minister shared, “The Punjab Government has already announced a 24×7 helpline to assist stranded Punjabis. Families can call 0172 2260042, 0172 2260043 or send a WhatsApp message to +91 94787 79112 for immediate support. A high level team headed by ADGP R K Jaiswal has also been constituted to monitor the situation.”
He asserted that the state government is making every possible effort to ensure the safe return of Punjabis. “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, we are fully committed to extending every support to our people in this hour of crisis,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Dr Ravjot Singh convened a video conference with Deputy Commissioners of all districts across Punjab and directed them to prominently display district level helpline numbers to assist Punjabis stranded abroad. “All inquiries received at the district level regarding stranded Punjabis must be handled with utmost responsibility, diligence and sincerity to ensure timely and effective support,” he directed.
Principal Resident Commissioner, Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi, Dr S Karuna Raju was also present during the meeting.
