Chandigarh, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the issue of welfare of Indian students who are facing problems in Australia due to lockdown with his Australian counterpart.

In a message to the Australian Prime Minister, Sukhbir said the students who were currently facing problems in Australia had paid fee to colleges there and were contributing to the Australian economy.

He said it was unfortunate that at a time when the students needed help due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the Australian PM was asking them to go home.

"This is not expected at a time like this. The Australian government should take note of the positive contribution of Indians who arrived in Australia as students and went on to take the country where it is today," Sukhbir said in a statement to the media here.

He also appealed to Punjabis to look after the students, many of whom did not have additional funds, as their parents had sold properties to fund their education.

He urged all Punjabis as well as gurdwara managements to extend help to the students be it by arranging their stay or by arranging foodstuff for them as and when required.