Himachal Government resolute to safeguard the interests of soldiers, ex-servicemen

Government resolute to safeguard the interests of soldiers, ex-servicemen   

Vijyender Sharma

SHIMLA------Himachal Pradesh has earned a special name as 'Veer Bhoomi' in the country and a large number of youth from the State are serving the Nation in the armed forces. The brave soldiers of the made supreme sacrifices during the freedom struggle of the country and thereafter they have been playing a significant role in safeguarding the borders and maintaining the integrity of the country. The gallant soldiers of Himachal Pradesh have brought laurels to the country and the State.

The present State Government is proud of our soldiers and ex-servicemen and it is committed to protect the interests of the real heroes of the country who are also source of inspiration for everyone. The Government is ensuring best possible measures to provide them with best services and facilities in the State. Effective and speedy implementation of welfare schemes for ex-servicemen is being ensured which includes reservation in government jobs, scholarship schemes for their children, and loan facilities for self- employment ventures besides various other incentives.

The State Government has increased the rates of annuity payable to Gallantry Award Winners and all other distinguished awardees. The Government has also introduced 34 welfare schemes for the rehabilitation and welfare of ex- servicemen, war widows and their dependents.

The Shaurya Chakra winners are being provided free travel facility in the State and the amount of Yudh Jagir has been enhanced from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5,000 from April, 2013. Similarly, the VAT has been reduced from four percent to two percent in the CSD Canteens and the process has been started to open CSD Depot and Model Cantonment at Una while the matter regarding Dogra Regiment Centre was under consideration. The Social Security Pension for the ex-servicemen and their widows has also been enhanced from Rs. 400 to Rs. 500.

The State Government has resumed Rs. 2 lakh annual grant to the Ex-Services League which was discontinued by the previous BJP government. Recently, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has given approval to fill up three vacant posts of Deputy Director, Sainik Welfare which will help in further streamlining the working of the Sainik Welfare department.

Himachal Pradesh Government has set up a Special Cell for the placement of ex-servicemen (including disabled) and dependents of soldiers killed in action under the control of Director, Sainik Welfare Department. So far, 160 ex-servicemen have been provided employment in various Boards, Departments and other institutions. With a view to provide self-employment avenues, the transportation work of clinker and cement has been given to ex-service men which include 40 percent in ACC Cement Company, Barmana, 10 percent in Ambuja Cements, Darlaghat and 5 percent in J.P Cements, Baga. 

The wards of the defence personnel and ex-servicemen are being provided reservation facility in Medical College, Dental College, Engineering Courses, Technical Institutions like Government Polytechnics, 2% of seats in the undergraduate programme have been reserved and in H.P. Agriculture University. The expenses incurred by the children of the ex-servicemen on coaching for entry to NDA/IMA/OTA are reimbursed by the Sainik Welfare Department. Besides, educational concessions and training facilities are also being given to their children.

The State government has vigorously taken up the matters with the Union Government regarding removal of population criteria in recruitment of the soldiers and setting up of State Training Academy for Armed Forces in the State. The most of the demands of the State for long pending issue of one rank-one pension have been accepted by the Centre Government but few issues are still pending which would be again taken with the Centre as it would benefit a large number of ex-servicemen in the State.