Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 24: Sainik Welfare Department (SWD) J&K celebrated its 70th Raising Day today.
Deviating from the tradition, the Day was celebrated this time in the border areas and far flung locations amongst veterans/veer naaris/widows and their dependents. Accordingly, various 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 functions, information about various welfare schemes, importance of documentation and training on Jeevan Praman 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 Pancheri (Udhampur). On the occasion, new office was dedicated to veterans in the Office Complex of DC Kulgam.
Brigadier Gurmeet Singh Shan, Director Sainik Welfare Deptartment, J&K informed that the Department, raised on 23rd June 1953, has been at the forefront of the efforts to look after the welfare of ESM, veer naaris 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 Government.
He stated that sustained efforts over the past one year led to many achievements including 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 Srinagar, opening of an adhoc ZSWO at Bandipora, operationalization of ZSWO at Akhnoor, release of loans to ESM for self-employment through PMEGP and J&K REGP, relaxation of age to ESM 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 Section 12 A of IT Act 1961.
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