The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making concerted efforts to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. In furtherance of this commitment, Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today chaired a special meeting in Chandigarh with officers to review the progress of works being undertaken by the Defence Services Welfare Department and the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO).
During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister directed officers of the Defence Services Welfare Department to organise special camps at the sub-divisional level for the redressal of grievances of ex-servicemen and their families. He said that the Punjab Government is according top priority to resolving the issues faced by ex-servicemen and ensuring their welfare.
Mr. Bhagat informed that administrative officers would remain present at these camps and genuine grievances of ex-servicemen would be addressed promptly on the spot. Earlier, Principal Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjar and Director Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) briefed the Minister on various projects being implemented by the department and the progress achieved so far.
Detailed discussions were also held regarding the department’s budgetary requirements, promotions of employees and recruitment to be undertaken in the department. Besides this, matters relating to the renovation of Sainik School and the requirement of funds for the same were also reviewed.
During the review of the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO), Managing Director Major General Harmandeep Singh informed the Minister about the employment opportunities being provided to ex-servicemen through the Corporation. He stated that more than 23,000 employees are presently serving under PESCO. Of these, over 14,000 have been engaged since 2022.
Mr. Bhagat directed the officers to accord top priority to all matters concerning the welfare of ex-servicemen. The officers present at the meeting assured the Minister that all assigned tasks would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.