Sainik Welfare Department Jammu and Kashmir today celebrated its Raising Day where Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer, was the chief guest.On the occasion of the Raising Day, Brig Gurmeet Singh Shan, Director, Sainik Welfare Department J&K extended warm greetings to the veteran fraternity and the staff of the Department.In his opening address, the Director Sainik Welfare Department (J&K) informed that the department raised on Jun 23, 1953, has been at the forefront of the efforts to look after the welfare of ESM (Ex Servicemen), Veer Naris and their dependents in J&K. “At the peak of Covid pandemic, around 2500 ex-servicemen of the UT of J&K volunteered to be Covid Warriors to augment the resources of the J&K administration. Nearly 300 ESM were deployed by the government and many others volunteered for rendering social services in their own areas. It was heartening to see even the children of the ESM volunteering for the social cause. The yeoman services rendered by the ex-servicemen have been appreciated by the Deputy Commissioners and Chief Medical Officers of the concerned Districts and the local population” the Director said.
He also informed that the department has formulated an action plan for welfare for veterans with focus on automation and doorstep service deliver for the elderly veterans.The Div Com, while addressing the gathering, expressed his gratitude towards the veterans and their families for the invaluable services to the nation. He also assured the Sainik Welfare Department that the administration will go all out to resolve the issues related to the ESM.The function was attended by prominent citizens, representatives of NGOs and social activists, who have been actively involved in the welfare of the ESM and Veer Naris of J&K.Notable amongst those present were Brig Harcharan Singh, ID Soni, Giat Nandan Jain, Vijay Bhagotra, Sawtanter Kumar Aggarwal, RS Gupta and Hony Capt Ghar Singh (Retd).The Div Com also felicitated members of the civil society for their services towards the ESM and Veer Naris.On the occasion, six young children of ESM namely Miss Anjali Jarngal, Miss Dipanshi Verma, Miss Pranva Bhat, Lt Manpreet Singh, Lt Shahil Kumar and Lt Raj Devinder Pal Singh were honoured for their contribution to the cause of ESM.