Former minister Bikram Singh Majithia today distributed around five hundred Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to medical personnel, Arhatiyas, labourers, police personnel and journalists at Majitha today besides handing over kits to the Deputy Commissioner.The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader, who visited Majitha assembly segment during the course of which he interacted with Arhatiyas and police personnel besides visiting the SDM office, also demanded an economic package to cover all those who had lost their livelihoods. He said the government should extend direct help to all daily wagers by depositing Rs 6,000 in their account besides releasing Rs 1,000 crore due to sugarcane farmers. He said similarly wheat growers should be given a bonus of Rs 50 per quintal, He said potato and vegetable farmers besides those engaging in floriculture should also be given a direct cash benefit considering the losses they had incurred in the last month. "Milk producers should also be given a bonus of Rs five per litre to help them tide over these difficult times", he said while asserting it was unfortunate that the government had reduced the milk procurement rate in this time of crisis. Speaking about the bravery of doctors, para medics and entire staff engaged in caring for COVID-19 patients besides Ambulance personnel, he said the government should double their salaries immediately to recognise the services being rendered by them in this time of crisis.
He also saluted the bravery of ASI Harjit Singh for displaying remarkable courage and composure when attacked by anti social elements in Patiala during the course of which his arm was severed. He said Harjit should be given an out of turn promotion for being a role model for the entire force.The Majitha legislator also interacted with Arhatiyas at the grain market in Majitha besides giving them reusable gloves as well as masks. The Arhatiya Association urged that all labour working in Mandis should be given an insurance cover. They also urged that Rs 200 crore due to them be released immediately and they be allowed to deduct advances given to farmers from the current wheat crop with their agreement. Mr Majithia said he would take up their issues with the State government.Later the SAD leader also met Deputy Commissioner Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon. He pointed out the need for ensuring safety measures as thousands of farmers and others associated with the harvesting of wheat crop would be out in the open from tomorrow. He also stressed the need to maintain complete transparency in distribution of food material to the poor and needy while disclosing instances of politicisation of government relief material by Congressmen. Mr Majithia also visited the DSP office and SDM office in Majitha where he also gave PPE kits. Separate PPE kits were also kept in the Market Committee office. He thanked the civil and police officials as well as health workers for the risks they were taking to provide service to the people. He interacted with media persons separately and urged them to practise all required safety measures while giving them PPE kits also. He also announced that more PPE kits would be given by him in due course of time. EOM