JAMMU: Sainik Welfare Department J&K celebrated its 70th awareness day here today. This year it was decided to deviate from tradition and celebrate Resurrection Day in border areas and remote locations among veterans, Veer Naaris, war widows and their dependents.
Accordingly, a series of functions were held in Jammu (Bishnah), RS Pura (Satrayian), Udhampur (Pacheri), Rajouri (Thanamandi), Kathua (Billawar), Doda (Bhaderwah), Poonch (Mendhar), Akhnoor (Nud ), Samba (Dhora), Baramulla (Madar), Srinagar (Kulgam) and Kupwara (Haihama).
During these interactions, information on various welfare programs, the importance of documentation and training on the JeevanPraman application, etc. were released to veterans. It was a special feeling to receive the blessings of two Veer Naaris who are over 100 years old but still decided to attend the ceremony in Pacheri (Udhampur). On this occasion. a new office has been dedicated to veterans in the DC Kulgam office complex. This office will be of immense help to the veterans of the Kulgam district.
Brig Gurmeet Singh Shan, Director of Welfare Department of Sainik, J&K informed that the department, established on June 23, 1953, has been at the forefront in looking after the welfare of ESM, Veer Naris and their dependents at J&K. The director said an action plan has been drawn up for the future and various welfare measures are in the process of being approved by the government.
He said sustained efforts over the past year had led to the achievement of milestones such as improved relief of Rs 5,000 per month for WWII veterans and ex-militia J&K, approval for the establishment of 100 children’s hostels in Jammu and Srinagar. ; Opening of an ad hoc ZSWO in Bandipora for veterans of this remote region; Operationalization of the ZSWO in Akhnoor for the benefit of the inhabitants of this border area.
He further stated that the launch of the Sainik Welfare Deptt website (sainikwelfarejk.nic.in), the effective use of technology i.e. social media and internet for faster outreach to veterans, the granting loans to veterans for self-employment through PMEGP and J&K REGP, relaxing the age of ex-servicemen for various government jobs, relaxing physical endurance tests for recruitment into belt forces at J&K, filling ZSWO vacancies at J&K and registering the Rajya Sainik Board as a Charitable Trust under sec 12 A of the Computers Act 1961 are some other notable achievements of the Sainik Welfare Department.
.jpg)
