Punjab sanctions Rs 5 lakh for ailing Sardar Anjum, he asks if it’s reward or assistance

An eminent Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi litterateur, Anjum has been facing medical problems associated with diabetes and had to get a foot amputated. The medical treatment also strained his financial resources.

[related-post]

Anjum said he had not received any communication from the Punjab government.

“Is the Punjab government giving a reward or financial assistance?” he asked, adding, “A few years back, the government had decided to reward me with Shiromani Urdu Sahitkaar Award, which has a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh, but I had declined, as I wanted that money to be used for the welfare of the other poets. So, when initially they learnt about my ill health, they offered to give that award, which I again refused.”

Nevertheless, Anjum conveyed his thanks to the Punjab government.

Anjum lives in Panchkula and the Haryana government was quicker to come to the aid. It had announced that his treatment would be taken care of by the state government and announced a financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh.

Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Vivek Atray and local MLA Gian Chand Gupta had visited him and enquired about his health.

“The amount of Rs 2.5 lakh was released to him in March, and we are committed to supporting him, whenever he needs it. Some amount will be released soon, as we have taken the bills, and have sent the details to the state government for approval,” said Atray.

Anjum, however, called upon the government to do something about the welfare of the poets many of whom are facing problems and need help.

“The government can at least institute a scheme where poets above 70 years of age can be given medical insurance. I think that is the need of the hour,” he added.

Overwhelmed by the love and respect that he has received from people around the world, Anjum said that this had given him strength in a difficult time.