Dr. Baljit Kaur Extends Support to Farmers, Provide Financial Help of ₹6 Lakh
Dr. Baljit Kaur Extends Support to Farmers, Provide Financial Help of ₹6 Lakh
Visits Fire-Affected Farmers
Chandigarh / Sotha (Malout), April 24:
“Farmers are our food providers, and under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government will never leave its farmers alone in any circumstance.” This was stated by Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur while extending solidarity with the farmer families affected by recent fire incidents in villages Sotha and Duhewala. During her visit, Dr. Baljit Kaur handed over ₹6 lakh financial assistance to affected families. This amount was raised through her two-month salary and voluntary contributions from NRI brethren. Alongside, each family was provided with approximately 5 quintals of wheat and fodder for their cattle.
Addressing a gathering at the village Gurdwara Sahib, Dr. Baljit Kaur expressed deep sorrow over the extensive crop loss faced by farmers in the fire incidents. She personally interacted with the affected families and assured them of full government support.
She said, “Farmers are the backbone of Punjab, and we stand firmly by them in every situation. Every department of the Punjab Government is committed to assist victims of such incidents promptly.”
Displaying her dedicated concern, Dr. Baljit Kaur personally handed over ₹30,000 Financial Assistance to each family. She also mentioned that a few families, in a gesture of compassion, chose to donate their share of wheat to the village committee to support other needy residents.
The Minister announced that as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government will provide ₹18,500 per acre compensation to farmers after the completion of official crop loss assessment (Girdawari).
Later, Dr. Baljit Kaur visited the Malout-Bathinda Road Power Grid Store, where a major fire had occurred on April 21. While reviewing the site, she informed that the fire was brought under control with the help of fire brigades from district Sri Muktsar Sahib and neighbouring areas.
She expressed gratitude to the officers, staff, district administration, and Deputy Commissioners of nearby districts for their swift action. Speaking to the media, Dr. Baljit Kaur revealed that around 4,500 old transformers and 500 new transformers were damaged in the fire. She confirmed that the investigation is underway and, while initial reports suggest no foul play, strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible once the inquiry concludes.
Responding to a question about the recent Pahalgam attack, Dr. Baljit Kaur strongly condemned the incident, stating that the attackers must be awarded exemplary punishment. She added that if any foreign involvement is established, stringent action will be taken against them as well.
Present on the occasion were Mr. Jashan Brar, Chairman Market Committee Malout; Minister’s Secretary Mr. Arshdeep Singh; Mr. Gurbhagat Singh, Block President; Mr. Satnam Singh, Block President; Mr. Labh Singh; Mr. Gagandeep Singh Aulakh, and other dignitaries.