Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 23: BJP today organised an ex-servicemen meet at Khour near Akhnoor. The meeting was attended by approximately 300-400 ESM of Khour Assembly Constituency. The meeting was organised by the Akhnoor Ex-servicemen Cell of the Bharatiya Janta Party. The meeting was chaired by Brig (Retd) Anil Gupta, State Convener of the Ex-Servicemen Cell. Daljeet Singh Chib, District President Akhnoor, Capt Bishamber Singh Jasrotia, general secretary of State Cell, Sub Ajit Kumar, Secretary State Cell and Chaman Lal Kainthia, a local BJP leader was also present in the meeting.
The special attendee in the meeting was 88 year old veteran Sub Devi Singh of Dogra Regiment. Khour block has large number of ESM population. Capt (Retd) Shamsher Singh compered the meeting. Brig Gupta announced the office bearers of the Akhnoor District Cell on the occasion. Capt (Retd) Chain Singh has been appointed the President and Capt (Retd) Shamsher Singh was made the general secretary. Capt (Retd) Ratan Lal was appointed another general secretary. Capt Sobha Ram, Sub Puran Sharan and Naseeb Singh were made the vice presidents. Hav Thakur Dass was given the charge of Secretary.
Capt Chain Singh highlighted various problems being faced by the ESM and their families. The issues raised by him and other veterans were early implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP), exemption of VAT on goods sold through CSD, enhancement of widow pension from 30% to 50%, improvement of Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) facilities, cultivation of land ahead of DCB, special recruitment drive for youth of border belt, voting rights to non-camp refugees and a few local issues.
Capt Bishamber Singh, State General Secretary briefed those present about the actions taken so far by the Cell and other proposals being forwarded to the party leadership for the welfare of ESM and their families. Daljeet Singh, district BJP President also spoke and thanked the ESM for their contribution in the recently concluded parliamentary elections.
Brig Gupta in his address exhorted the ESM fraternity to remain united so that their voice and grievances are also heard and resolved. He informed them that the VAT is being replaced by GST and he has written to the PM and Finance-cum-Defence Minister for including a provision in the GST Act for partial/full exemption of the goods sold through CSD.
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