Punjab cabinet minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for the family of each MGNREGA worker killed in a road accident near Alisher village in Sangrur district. He also said the government was exploring options to provide housing plots and employment opportunities to affected families.
Goyal visited the homes of workers who died or were injured in the accident to offer condolences and share the grief of their families. He also enquired about the condition of those injured and assured the families that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stood with them during this difficult time.
Government promises financial and rehabilitation support
During his interactions with the affected families, the minister listened to their concerns and assessed their needs. He said the government would make every possible effort to help them cope with the tragedy and support their rehabilitation.
Describing the accident as deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking, Goyal said words could not adequately express the grief of families who had lost their loved ones. Although the loss was irreparable, he said supporting the affected families and helping them meet their daily needs was a shared responsibility of the government and society.
Along with the ₹10 lakh financial assistance for each deceased worker’s family, efforts were underway to provide five-marla plots to homeless and needy families affected by the tragedy.
Goyal said ensuring necessary medical treatment and appropriate assistance for the injured remained a priority. He added that support would extend beyond immediate financial relief, with employment opportunities in the forest department and other government departments being explored, subject to applicable rules and eligibility criteria.
Eight MGNREGA workers killed in road accident
Eight MGNREGA workers were killed on Sunday when a speeding car struck them as they rested and drank water beside the Jakhal-Lehra road near Alisher village in Sangrur district.
The deceased comprised six women and two men. Police said all eight belonged to Alisher village.
Twelve other people were injured in the accident and were receiving treatment at various hospitals, including Sangrur Civil Hospital and hospitals in Patiala and Lehragaga.
The minister’s visit came as the affected families faced the loss of their loved ones and the challenges of supporting injured relatives. The state government has said it would work towards providing financial assistance, medical care, housing support and possible employment opportunities to help them recover from the tragedy.