The Local Government Minister, Punjab, Navjot Singh Sidhu today handed over cheques of financial assistance to 5 more victim families of the recent rail tragedy. On the occasion of distributing cheques at circuit house here today, Mr. Sidhu lauded and thanked the District Administration for completing the work of disbursing compensation amount to the affected families in a few days time which otherwise would have taken 4-5 months. The minister further said that till date 46 families have been provided with the financial assistance and the rest of the 12 cheques would also be given soon.Interacting with the media-persons, Mr. Sidhu said that the State Government would provide jobs to the eligible family members of those killed in the rail tragedy and the people falling in the old age category would be given pension by the government. He also reiterated that he is also committed to help the affected families monetarily and also that the families would not be left in the lurch with the government standing shoulder to shoulder with them in their hour of need.
The minister also added that though many people are coming forward to adopt the children rendered orphan in the tragedy but the government would only allow the adoption to take place after the completion of formalities and procedures as per the law.Mr. Sidhu termed it most unfortunate that some elements are playing politics over the corpses of the people killed in the tragedy. He highlighted the fact that he has already adopted the families of those killed in the tragedy. The minister also said that the handing over today of cheques to the 5 more families is just a beginning and assured that the state government would do everything possible to help the affected families and keep their home fires burning.On the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. Ravinder Singh, SDM Amritsar-2 Mr. Vikas Heera, Qanungo Mr. Jatinder Sharma and officers of the several departments were also present.