*Bhagwant Mann Govt rolls out 24x7 helplines to assist Punjabis stranded in Central Asia & Middle East region amid US Israel Iran conflict: Dr Ravjot Singh*
*0172 2260042, 0172 2260043 for foreign nationals & 1100 for Indian nationals to remain operational round clock*
*Punjab Govt committed to ensuring safe return of every Punjabi: Dr Ravjot Singh*
**Committee formed under ADGP R.K. Jaiswal*
CHANDIGARH, 2nd March, 2026:
As tensions continue to rise amid the US Israel Iran conflict, the Punjab Government on Monday announced 24x7 helplines to assist Punjabis stranded in Central Asia and the Middle East. NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said the state is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to ensure their safe evacuation, while urging Centre State cooperation for the prompt return of those affected.
Announcing this at Punjab Bhawan, NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh stated, “The Punjab Government is closely monitoring the overall situation and has initiated measures based on calls received from the affected areas.”
“We are getting phone calls from Central Asia and most of them are Punjabi tourists. The Punjab Government stands firmly with every Punjabi stranded abroad and we will make every effort to ensure their safe evacuation and return home,” he assured.
Giving details of the assistance mechanism, Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said, “Helpline numbers 0172 2260042, 0172 2260043 for foreign nationals and 1100 for residents of India have been rolled out to provide immediate assistance and coordination.” He added that the helpline service will function 24 hours a day to provide guidance, collect information and coordinate with the concerned authorities for evacuation and support.
A committee has also been formed under the stewardship of ADGP NRI Wing R.K. Jaiswal in this regard, added the Minister.
Stressing the need for Centre State coordination, he added, “The Punjab Government is keen to hold an early meeting with the Central Government to ensure coordination and sincere efforts are being made for the safe evacuation of the stranded persons. We believe that through mutual cooperation between the State and the Central Government, we can expedite the relief measures and provide timely assistance to our beleaguered people.”
Reaffirming administrative preparedness, Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said that the NRI Affairs Department, in coordination with the Home Department and other concerned agencies, is actively collecting data of the affected persons and working on emergency plans to facilitate their safe passage back home.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Minister stated, “No stone will be left unturned to protect the interests of Punjabis abroad. The safety of every Punjabi is our top priority.” He appealed to the families of those stranded to remain calm and stay in touch through the designated helpline numbers, adding, “The Punjab Government is fully committed to bringing our people back safely.”
On the occasion, ADGP NRI Wing Punjab R K Jaiswal, Special Secretary NRI Affairs Daljit Kaur, Additional Secretary R J S Brar, Deputy Secretary Home Manpreet Kaur, AIG NRI Wing Ajinder Singh and NRI Commission Member Kamal Garg were present.
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