PM urges states to help families of soldiers posted in forward areas

New Delhi, May 19 (UNI) 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.

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