Haryana Govt announces schemes for ex-servicemen

Ambala, Aug 15 (UNI) The Haryana Government today announced a number of schemes for the welfare of ex-servicemen and civilians besides taking steps to commemorate the memory of martyrs.

While addressing a large gathering here after unfurling the national tri-colour on the occasion of 61st Independence Day here, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda announced the allotment of land to Army authorities for construction of dispensaries for ex-servicemen.

The Chief Minister said land had been allotted at concessional rates to set up dispensaries for ex-servicemen in eight districts of the State and land would also be allotted for the same purpose in four more districts in next two months.

The rates of land for these dispensaries would be fifty per cent less than the rates of institutional allotments and interest would not be charged on payment of cost of land for one year after the allotment.

Mr Hooda also announced the construction of a memorial in Ambala to commemorate the memory of martyrs of First War of Independence, setting up of a museum in Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, construction of parks named after martyrs in those villages which are associated with First War of Independence and also the remodelling of 163 bridges by the end of 2008.

The Chief Minister also announced schemes for Ambala district and construction of one more bridge on river Tangri in Ambala Cantt.

Earliar, Mr Hooda inspected the parade and took salute from the contingents of India Reserve Battalian, Haryana Armed Police, NCC boys and girls. Eighty four freedom fighters, 56 war widows and 58 gallantry awardees were honoured. He also gave financial assistance to 12 beneficiaries under Kishori Shakti Yojana.

A colourful cultural programme was also presented by the children of various schools.

Prominent people who were present on the occasion included Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Phool Chand Mullana, HPCC Working President Kuldeep Sharma, former Minister, Mr Vinod Sharma, MLAs namely, Mr Devender Bansal and Mr Nirmal Singh and senior officers of the State Government and the district administration UNI