Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Sept 4: An impressive Veteran’s rally-cum-medical camp was organised under Uniform Force here today at Kalakote.
The rally was inaugurated by Commander, Tain Sector along with Naik Kirpal Singh (Retired), oldest veteran present who had retired in 1959. Around 400 veterans from Reasi and Rajouri districts were in attendance.
Tehsildar of Kalakote, BDO, Sarpanchs and officials of civil administration also graced the rally.
Key highlights of the rally included conduct of a Pension Adalat, Medical Camp with dentist, child specialist, gynecologist, ortho specialist, information kiosks and counters by various J&K State Government departments as well as by Army and Police to generate awareness on schemes in vogue for veterans and also their dependents.
In addition to felicitating 20 ‘Veer Naris’ for the valiant sacrifice of their sons or husbands in the line of duty, four Gallantry Award winners, oldest veterans, eight widows, seven non pensioners, 11 orphan daughters and three meritorious students of veterans were also felicitated.
A variety of disability equipment including two wheel chair, two crutches and one survical collar were distributed to the disabled veterans and dependents during the rally.
The Army pipe bands played inspiring tunes and left the audience enthralled during the rally. A cultural programme was also presented by the students on a local Dogri song. A local street play group ‘Jan Jagran Manch, Kalakote’ also gave out a splendid performance to the audience on the life of a soldier.
Commander, Tain Sector, complimented the veterans for their yeoman service and exhorted them to holistically continue their contribution towards development of society and nation building post retirement.
Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Rajouri and Director Resettlement, Headquarters Northern Command also interacted closely regarding latest welfare schemes with the veterans, Veer Naris and widows and assured early resolution of pending problems.
The ‘Suvigya Package’ was the main attraction, which was extensively used by veterans to know their correct pension entitlement. The opening of Army Veterans Grievance Portal and an SBI ATM at Kalakote, which was a long standing demand, was another welfare measure for the veterans.
Follow our WhatsApp channel