Punjab CM announces welfare measures for armed forces

Chandigarh, July 12 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parakash Singh Badal today announced reimbursement of additional duty of Octroi being charged by the government from the cantonment boards and one per cent reservation for 100 per cent disabled soldiers in PUDA (Punjab Urban Development Authority) housing schemes.

Mr Badal also announced the release of Rs 1.23 crore for the construction of an additional hostel at Sainik School, Kapurthala and a one-time grant of Rs five lakh to Paraplegic Rehabilitation Center (PRC), Mohali, which chairing the Civil Military Liaison conference (CMLC) at the western command headquarters, chandimandir.

The Chief Minister also agreed to the proposal to treat army casualties occurring during aid to civil authority in Punjab as battle causalities.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Lt Gen Daljeet Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command thanked the Chief Minister and the state administration for their positive response on various issues taken up by the army with the state government. The Army Commander also expressed his utmost satisfaction on the close rapport that exists between the Government of Punjab and the armed forces.

During the course of the proceedings, Gen Singh highlighted important issues like allotment of land in lieu of the land vacated by army at various stations, safety and security of vital army installations and land for 'Jai Jawan Awas Yojna' in PUDA developed colonies.

He also highlighted the need of improving road infrastructure in border areas at certain places and creating additional facilities for the welfare of serving soldiers and ex-servicemen.

The Army Commander offered the assistance of the army to the state government in strengthening educational facilities in the state and also creating additional job opportunities for youth of Punjab by building necessary infrastructure wherever required.

Gen Singh expressed confidence that the understanding and goodwill among the army, the people of Punjab and the Government of Punjab would be further strengthened.

UNI