Sainik Welfare Department J&K celebrated its 70th Raising Day here today. This year it was decided to deviate from the tradition and to celebrate the Raising Day in the border areas and far flung locations amongst the 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 about various Welfare Schemes, importance of documentation and training on JeevanPraman App etc were disseminated to the veterans. It was a special feeling to receive blessings from two Veer Naaris who are above 100 years of age but still decided to attend the function at Pacheri (Udhampur). On this occasion. a new office was dedicated to veterans in the Office Complex of DC Kulgam. This office will be of immense help to Veterans of Kulgam district.
Brig Gurmeet Singh Shan, Director Sainik Welfare Department , J&K informed that the department, raised on Jun 23, 1953, has been at the forefront to look after the welfare of ESM, Veer Naris and their dependents in J&K. The Director stated that an action plan has been drawn up for future course of action and various welfare measures are being pursued for approval of the govt.
He stated that sustained efforts over the past one year had lead to achievement of the milestones like Enhanced relief of Rs 5000 per month for Veterans of World War II and Ex J&K Militia, Approval for establishment of 100 bedded children Hostels, at Jammu and at Srinagar; Opening of an adhoc ZSWO at Bandipora for veterans of that remote area; Operationalization of ZSWO at Akhnoor for benefit of residents of this border area.
He further stated that the launching of web-site of the Sainik Welfare Deptt(sainikwelfarejk.nic.in), Effective utilization of technology viz social media and internet for faster outreach to veterans, release of loans to Ex-servicemen for self-employment through PMEGP and J&K REGP, Relaxation of age for Ex-servicemen for various government jobs, relaxation in physical endurance tests for recruitment in belt forces in J&K , Filling of vacant posts of ZSWOs in J&K and Registration of Rajya Sainik Board as a Charitable Trust under sec 12 A of IT Act 1961 are some other notable achievements of the Sainik Welfare Department.