PM urges states help families of serving soldiers

New Delhi, May 19: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today urged various state governments to help families of serving soldiers posted in far-flung locations.

Inaugurating the 27th meeting of Kendriya Sainik Board here, he said as the soldiers were posted far from home, it was difficult for them to attend to the needs of their families and to deal with property related matters and other personal issues.

''I believe that the most befitting tribute we can make to the exemplary sacrifices that out valiant soldiers have made for the nation, is for us to look after them in the best possible manner.'' To assist them we need a mechanism by which at the district level, the collector and at the state level a nominated senior officer could every quarter review the status of grievance redressal. Such meetings for the benefit of ex-servicemen could be organised in conjunction with the sainik boards in states on the lines of pension adalats, he said.

State governments could also consider introducing e-enabled services for dissemination of information and guidance for the benefit of ex-servicemen through dedicated web sites, he added.

The Prime Minister asked government agencies concerned to give careful consideration to the recommendations of the KSB, which was an apex body that gave suggestions for formulating policies for the welfare of ex-servicemen, war widows, disabled soldiers and their families.

''The needs of war widows and the war-disabled require more focused and urgent attention. Their welfare should be given high priority.'' Dr Singh requested the defence ministry to accord high priority to the training aspect, to help prepare soldiers on the verge of retirement for a second career.

He expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the scheme to provide scholarships for the children of ex-servicemen to pursue professional education in management studies, engineering, medicine and a variety of other disciplines.

''There is no other better way to repay the debt we owe to our ex-servicemen than to provide for the education of their children...

This is a small recognition of the great contribution that out armed forces make for protecting our liberties, safeguarding our borders and promoting of our national interests.'' The Prime Minister also gave away prizes to Maharashtra, Chandigarh and Tamil Nadu for collecting the maximum funds on the Armed Forces Flag Day.

Defence Minister A K Antony, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju, Governor of Punjab, Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chief Ministers of Uttrakhand and Haryana, the three service chiefs besides senior officials from all states and union territories, and the defence ministry were taking part in the meet.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr A K Antony urged all state governments to optimally utilise the services of ex-servicemen for mutual benefit. And requested the states to raise at least one battalion each for afforestation. ''This investment will pay rich dividends in the future.'' Our armed forces had been serving the nation with dedication and commitment, braving extreme weather conditions. They had to live away from their families, which made their task even more difficult and challenging, he said.

Thus, special attention by central and state governments, and support and care by the local administration towards their families was really crucial, he added.

''We want our troops to maintain a high morale and perform their duties without any worries.'' The minister asked the states to fill about 125 per cent of the sanctioned posts lying vacant in Rajya Sainik Boards and Zila Sainik Boards to strengthen this organisation.

Mr Antony announced his intention to set up a mechanism to monitor the redress of grievances by attaching serving defence personnel in Sainik Boards linking them through the Internet.

He also announced that financial assistance to ex-servicemen, widows, and their wards under Raksha Mantri's Discretionary Fund had been doubled.

The defence minister also asked the private sector to do its utmost to help society and the nation in promoting the welfare and resettlement of ex-servicemen.

KSB meets annually to review policy, achievements and deliberate on pending issues concerning Ex-Servicemen (ESM) welfare.

The board functions under chairmanship of the defence minister and chief ministers/lt governors of states/UTs with the three service chiefs as its members.

There exist a vast reserve of skilled, disciplined and committed human resource in the country in the form of ESM. The government has declared 2007 as the year of the placement of ESM with a view to achieving the dual task of offering veterans a meaningful second career, while also harnessing this invaluable resource towards nation building.

Approximately 60,000 armed forces personnel retire/release from active service every year. However, the retirement was only metaphorical as they were young (35 to 45 years), enthusiastic, disciplined and skilled, and could be utilised for the benefit of the nation.

This could not only give them a dignified life through meaningful second career options but also motivate the future generation towards the armed forces.

UNI