The Bhagwant Mann government accords highest priority to the ex-servicemen who have spent years in service to the nation and are an asset. With a view to provide a respectable job prospect to them Directorate of Defence Service Welfare Punjab and Punjabi University Patiala signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 27 March 2023, to give Graduation degree to Ex-servicemen.
A formal ceremony was held at Punjab Bhawan in which Chetan Singh Jaudamajra, Cabinet Minister Defence Services Welfare Department attended as the chief guest. Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala Dr. Arvind, J.M. Balamurgan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Punjab, Defence Services Welfare Department, Brig Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd), Director Defence Services Welfare Punjab and other officials were also present on the occasion.
In this regard, Chetan Singh Jaudamajra, Cabinet Minister, Defence Services Welfare Department, informed that due to the consistent efforts of the Bhagwant Mann led government, with this MoU, the eligible Ex-servicemen of Punjab will be awarded Degree of Graduation Certificate in Bachelor of Arts (Defence and Strategic Studies) from Punjabi University Patiala and will be eligible to apply for Group A and B posts of the Government.
Earlier with the Special Education Certificate awarded by the Army, Navy and Air Force at the time of retirement, they were only eligible to apply for Group C and D posts. After this Chetan Singh Jaudamajra, Cabinet Minister Defence Services Welfare Department distributed financial assistance cheques to disabled Ex-servicemen and their dependents during a brief program held at District Defence Services Welfare Office, SAS Nagar. He said that the ex-gratia amount given to the families of the martyrs has been increased to Rs. 1.00 crore and recently the process of providing employment to 12 families of the martyrs has also been completed and appointment letters will be issued to them soon.