Chandigarh: Non-resident Indians (NRIs) from Australia and New Zealand have assured full support to Punjab’s flood relief and rehabilitation initiative, Mission Chardikala, launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
During a virtual town hall, the Chief Minister highlighted the severe impact of recent floods that submerged over 2,300 villages, affected more than 2 million people, destroyed crops across five lakh acres, and damaged thousands of schools, clinics, roads, and bridges. He noted that the disaster claimed around 60 lives and left nearly seven lakh people homeless, with estimated losses of approximately Rs 13,800 crore.
Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the role of NRIs in the state’s development, cultural preservation, and social welfare. “Mission Chardikala embodies the eternal Sikh spirit of strength and optimism, calling on Punjabis worldwide to unite in this unprecedented crisis,” he said, urging global Punjabis to contribute to relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Chief Minister explained that a new Rangla Punjab Fund has been opened to facilitate contributions from NRIs, as they cannot donate to the CM Relief Fund. He assured transparency, promising that every contribution will be spent judiciously for the welfare of flood-affected communities.
Mann also addressed political criticism, stating that opposition parties were indulging in “vested interest politics,” despite similar global disasters caused by climate change. He highlighted that MPs have contributed over Rs 20 lakh from MPLAD funds to the new relief fund and thanked NGOs, religious organizations, and young volunteers for their support.
NRIs participating from Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, and Auckland, including entrepreneurs, professionals, and representatives of Punjabi associations, pledged generous contributions and lauded the state government for its swift relief efforts.
Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and Advisor for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali were present during the interaction.
