PHAGWARA: Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP and Founder Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, handed over permanent employment letters to family members of those who lost their loved ones in the recent Punjab floods. The appointments have been made at Lovely Professional University, ensuring that the families receive both financial stability and long-term dignity of work.
The initiative, as announced by Dr. Mittal on 5th September, was part of his commitment to extend sustained support to bereaved households. With these appointments, families devastated by the tragedy will now have a secure livelihood within the LPU ecosystem.
Interacting with the beneficiaries, Dr. Mittal said: “No gesture can ever replace the lives that were lost. But by offering permanent employment within LPU, we are trying to ensure that families who bore the brunt of the floods are not left alone in their struggle. This is not just about jobs, it is about dignity, security, and a chance to rebuild.”
Deepika, a beneficiary and a resident of Purana Bhangal in Mukerian, who lost her mother in the floods, shared, "After losing my mother and our home, I was left with the responsibility of raising my younger brother and sister alone. At a time when I did not know how to move forward, this opportunity from LPU has given me the strength and hope to rebuild life for my family.”
Gagan from Jugial in Pathankot, who lost his wife while she was saving children during the floods, at the event said, “Her death shattered our dreams and left me to care for my elderly parents alone. This job has come as a lifeline — it will not heal the pain, but it gives me the courage to stand again and look after my family with dignity.”
As part of the initiative, permanent jobs have already been provided to a number of affected families aligned with their eligibility and skill sets. The process remains ongoing to reach all those in need.
Earlier, Dr. Mittal had also contributed Rs.20 lakh to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to aid rehabilitation efforts. He lauded the State Government’s relief and rescue operations and reiterated the need for collective efforts to support long-term rehabilitation, including rebuilding homes, restoring farmland, and reviving livelihoods.
Dr. Mittal also urged corporate houses, philanthropists, and community leaders to step forward, saying that “a tragedy of this scale demands compassion and shared responsibility from all sections of society to help rebuild Punjab.”