Punjab’s Freedom Fighter and Defence Welfare Minister, Mohinder Bhagat, stated on Tuesday that the welfare of freedom fighters, ex-servicemen, widows, and their dependents is a top priority of the state government.
During his visit to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum and the Defence Services Welfare Office, Accompanied by Ludhiana North MLA Madan Lal Bagga, the Minister Bhagat listened to their concerns and expressed his department’s commitment to addressing their genuine needs.
He emphasized that the nation will always be indebted to these brave individuals whose sacrifices secured independence. He added that 13% vacancies have been reserved for the ESM in Group A, B, C & D posts in Punjab.
He also directed the officials to ensure issues of freedom fighters, ex-servicemen and widows must be heard properly whenever they visit the government offices. Bhagat highlighted the importance of providing efficient and transparent services to them and asked the officials to address all concerns promptly.
He also stressed the need to raise awareness about the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, stating that it is an excellent place to learn about the history of our martyrs and the wars that took place after Independence.
The Minister also honoured the parents of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who served in the 17 Sikh Li and lost his life in a landmine explosion at the Kalal Sector in Jammu and Kashmir during operational duty on January 18, 2024, as part of Operation Rakshak.
The Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, had previously provided Ajay Kumar's family with a cheque of Rs 1 crores last year. Additionally, the Minister presented a cheque of Rs 1 lakh from the Flag Day Fund to Sukhveer Kaur, the widow of Naik Ranjit Singh, who served in the 112 Engineer Regiment and died on duty on November 10, 2024.
He also distributed cheques of financial assistance amounting to Rs 5,000 each to 12 non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows from the Flag Day Fund. Earlier, the Cabinet Minister was accorded a guard of honour at the museum by the district administration during his maiden visit to Ludhiana after assuming office.
He took a salute from the Punjab Police guard of honour and laid a wreath at the memorial. Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal welcomed the Cabinet Minister to the museum. He also held a brief meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and other officials to review on-going schemes.
Director of Defence Services Welfare Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd), District Defence Services Welfare Officer Group Captain Davinder Singh Dhillon (Retd) and others were also present.