Governor, CM discuss ex-servicemen welfare

Jammu, Apr 5 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha has said the state government has been pro-active in ensuring the welfare of ex-servicemen while Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced Rs 10 lakh for Ex-Servicemen's Rehabilitation Centre corpus from CM's Relief Fund.

Addressing the 74th meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Rajya Sainik Board here yesterday, the Governor also announced Rs one lakh each from the State Red Cross and discretionary grants for the corpus.

He appreciated the measures being taken in this regard and hoped that the cabinet sub-committee on welfare of ex-servicemen would come up with concrete recommendations for their rehabilitation and welfare.

The Governor stressed the need for giving adequate share in employment opportunities to ex-servicemen in view of their retirement at a very young age. For this, placement cells and representation in statutory bodies of recruitment agencies are imperative to look into a second career for this category, he added.

General Sinha made a mention of Rajya Sainik Rest Houses at various places, particularly at Srinagar and Jammu, and said these have to be taken up and completed within a stipulated time frame.

''Facilities have to be created for those who always remained at the fore-front for defending the territorial borders. He also referred to the Balidan Stambh, a unique memorial in the world in the sense that it stands as a tribute to all the Army, the para-military forces and the civilians who laid down their lives for the honour and dignity of the nation.

The Governor suggested compilation of a data bank with regard to the number and qualifications of ex-servicemen so that their profile is maintained for placements in the job market.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the services of ex-servicemen to the nation and said 'we also owe much to them'. In this context, he referred to the steps being taken as per laid down procedures and norms for their welfare and rehabilitation.

Responding to the suggestions, Mr Azad said the Cabinet Sub-Committee is seized of the entire gamut of problems and would suggest recommendations for implementation. He said bottlenecks, if any, in the construction of Sainik Sarais would be removed and called for coordinated efforts by various agencies of the government.

Director Rajya Sainik Board Brig (Retd) K S Kotwal gave a brief resume of the activities for rehabilitation and welfare of ex-servicemen as well as counseling being given to them from time to time about available job opportunities.

The members of the board put-forth several suggestions with regard to short and long-term measures for rehabilitation and welfare of ex-servicemen.

While deliberating on agenda items, the issues pertaining to reservation of children of serving defence personnel and ex-servicemen in various professional and educational institutions, setting up of sainik sarais, provision of annuity to award winners from the state etc were discussed threadbare and appropriate decisions taken.

UNI