Punjab BJP chief seeks ESIC’s sub-regional office in Bathinda

Chandigarh, Aug 18 (IANS) Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon has written to Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya, demanding the establishment of a sub-regional office of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in Bathinda city.

Dhillon forwarded a representation received from the ESIC Employees’ Union, Punjab Region, Chandigarh, to the Union Minister and extended his full support to the demand. He said there has been a long-standing need for an ESIC Sub-Regional Office in Punjab’s Malwa region.

He said lakhs of insured people, pensioners, employers and other beneficiaries from Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar Sahib, Barnala, Faridkot, Fazilka and adjoining areas have to depend on offices located far away for ESIC-related work. As a result, they have to spend additional time and money and, at times, also face difficulties in accessing essential services.

The state BJP president appealed to the Union Minister to approve the establishment of an ESIC sub-regional office in Bathinda, keeping in view the convenience and interests of workers, pensioners, employers and other beneficiaries.

He said once the office is established in Bathinda, a large number of people in the Malwa region will be able to access ESIC services closer to their homes and will be relieved of the need to make repeated visits to distant offices.

Meanwhile, Dhillon has welcomed the new national team announced by the party’s central leadership. He congratulated B. L. Santosh on being reappointed as the national General Secretary (Organisation) and said his vast organisational experience would benefit party workers across the country.

The state BJP chief particularly expressed his happiness that the central leadership has placed significant trust in leaders from Punjab.

The appointment of Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh as in-charge of the national office is a matter of great pride for the Punjab BJP. Former state Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal has been entrusted with the important responsibility of national Vice-President.

Welcoming the decision to appoint Rajya Sabha MP Dr Satish Poonia as national General Secretary as well as Punjab in-charge, Dhillon said Dr Poonia’s strategic acumen and experience would provide significant strength to Punjab BJP at the grassroots.

–IANS

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