Punjab's Cabinet Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, and Horticulture, Mohinder Bhagat, strongly stated that the Punjab Government is firmly committed to ensuring the welfare, honour, and social security of ex-servicemen. He had specially arrived today to inaugurate the renovated Honorary Captain Karam Singh Sainik Rest House, Sangrur.
On this occasion, Rahul Chaba, Deputy Commissioner Sangrur, Colonel Jarnail Singh (Retd.), OSD Headquarters, SDM Charanjot Singh Walia, Commander Dilpreet Singh Kang (Retd.), District Defence Services Welfare Officer Sangrur, Municipal Council President Bhupinder Singh, and AAP District President Shyam Singla were present.
Addressing the gathering, Bhagat said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring the welfare, honour, and social security of ex-servicemen. He said that we are indebted to the soldiers of the Army, Air Force, and Navy who bravely fought to guard distant borders, and many of them made supreme sacrifices for the nation's freedom, unity, and integrity.
Even today, in the current situation of the country, they are fighting with greater zeal — those who sacrificed their today to secure our tomorrow. We are indebted to the martyrs, thanks to whom we are living in this pleasant environment.
He said that the Punjab Government has increased the financial assistance for families of soldiers who laid down their lives for the country from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. In addition, one family member is given a permanent government job. 13 percent of government jobs have been reserved for ex-servicemen. A special campaign has been launched to resolve pending cases related to ex-servicemen.
Quarterly review meetings under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner have been made mandatory in every district so that problems related to ex-servicemen can be resolved immediately. The Cabinet Minister directed officials to ensure that the benefits of government schemes and facilities reach every eligible ex-serviceman on time.
During the event, the Cabinet Minister presented financial assistance cheques worth ₹6,50,000 to 14 ex-servicemen and widows, and distributed electric tri-scooters to disabled ex-servicemen. He met the ex-servicemen, listened to their problems, and assured them of quick resolution of their difficulties and grievances. Assuring the gathered ex-servicemen and their dependents, he said that the Punjab Government is committed to their welfare and will leave no stone unturned in resolving their issues. He also met the entire office staff, ex-servicemen, and their dependents.
When asked by journalists, he said that farmers can increase their income by associating with the Horticulture Department. The department has launched the "Mera Pind Mera Bagh" scheme, under which orchards are being planted on panchayat lands in villages to increase the income of panchayats and set an example to connect people with the horticulture profession.
Earlier, upon arriving at the District Defence Services Welfare Office, Sangrur, the Cabinet Minister was warmly welcomed by the district administration with a Guard of Honour. He inaugurated the renovation of the Sainik Rest House. Commander Dilpreet Singh Kang also addressed the gathering.