Chandigarh/Patiala: Punjab Cabinet Ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal and Dr. Balbir Singh today visited Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala to enquire about the well-being of injured MGNREGA workers from Ali Sher village in the Lehragaga Assembly constituency, who are undergoing treatment.
Dr. Balbir Singh and Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident and ₹50,000 each for the injured. In addition, the Punjab Government will provide free medical treatment to the injured. They added that arrangements for food and refreshments would also be made for the hospitalised MGNREGA workers and their family members.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the accident took place at around 4:30 pm on October 18 on the Jakhal-Lehragaga road near Ali Sher village. At the time, MGNREGA workers were engaged in planting saplings and carrying out cleaning work along the roadside. When they stopped to drink water, a speeding car hit them.
The ministers said that the condition of the patients undergoing treatment was improving and that they were out of danger. They added that the Sangrur district administration had also made the necessary arrangements to assist the victims and facilitate their family members.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the tragic accident, caused by negligence, had extinguished the hopes and happiness of eight families. He assured that strict legal action would be taken against the car driver responsible for the accident. He also prayed for peace for the departed souls and wished the injured speedy recovery.
