Prez concerned at delays in welfare package for martyrs widows

Jhunjhunu, Jun 22(UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today expressed concern over delays and hurdles in effective implementation of packages awarded to widows and families of the martyrs and asked state departments concerned to ensure that awardees get full and timely benefits.

Speaking at a function organised in nearby Inderpura village to felicitate widows of martyrs, Ms Patil said she had personal knowledge and feedback that widows of those brave soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice for the nation did face hurdles in getting benefits of welfare package awarded by the government.

The President said during her term as Governor in Rajasthan, she had procured direct feedback from widows and families of martyrs.

She said it was ''our sacred duty'' to take care of the families of those who had made sacrifices for the motherland and state departments should address the situation and ensure full and flawless implementation of packages.

Stressing the need of cultivating skills for widows of martyrs, Ms Patil said providing mere package or employment was not enough but capability building among the beneficiary women to enable them to take care of their families was more important.

The President also felicitated 40 widows of martyrs.

Rajasthan Governor Shilendra Kumar Singh,Ms Patil's husband Dr Devi Singh Shekhawat, Union Mines Minister Sis Ram Ola and Rajasthan PWD Minister Rajendra Singh Rathore were also present.

Earlier in Jaipur, Ms Patil visited Anuvibha Kendra this morning to meet Anuvrat Mission Head Acharya Mahapragya. The President felicitated the Jain monk and wished him healthy and long life.

UNI SS AKJ UCS1642