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Jaipur, Oct 31 (IANS) Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde on Friday approved several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of war veterans, war widows and their dependents in the state.
Chairing the 18th meeting of the State Military Board at Raj Bhavan, the Governor stressed on a timely approach and positive mindset in implementing welfare policies for the ex-servicemen community of the State.
Governor Bagde approved the establishment of an old age home for war veterans in Jaipur, an integrated military complex in Jodhpur and a uniform policy for naming schools and public institutions after martyred soldiers.
He directed the officers to expedite all pending decisions related to military welfare and ensure effective, transparent and compassionate implementation.
Urging all departments to work wholeheartedly for the war veterans and their families, the Governor said, “Soldiers protect the country and enable the citizens to live in peace. The society should always be grateful to them and work tirelessly for their welfare.” Old age home for war veterans has been approved which will be set up in Jaipur under a time bound plan. In addition, an integrated campus will be set up in Jodhpur with feasibility study and development under the Department of Military Welfare complex at Raika Bagh with funding under Central and State schemes. Governor Bagde said, Military Welfare Office has also been established with in-principle approval for a new office at Rajgarh in Churu district.
The Governor also said: “Under the uniform naming policy, schools and public places will be named after martyred soldiers within a stipulated time frame. Following the model of other states, the honorarium has been amended with the approval of increasing the honorarium for soldiers awarded gallantry awards. Strict instructions have been issued to remove illegal occupants from the Veerangana hostels and rehabilitation centers to ensure proper utilization under the existing rules. The policy has been amended whereby The Colonization Department has been ordered to amend the old orders relating to gallantry awards.
During the meeting, Governor Bagde also launched the “Sainik Kalyan Portal” developed to automate and streamline welfare schemes for war veterans, war widows and their dependents.
He said the portal provides online access to various state and central welfare schemes.
Additionally, a dedicated social media platform for war veterans was launched to facilitate real-time updates about welfare programmes, recruitment opportunities and government initiatives on digital channels, the Governor said.
The Governor released a comprehensive information booklet at the Raj Bhavan, giving details of the welfare schemes of the Sainik Welfare Department, including benefits available under both the Central and State Governments.
A meeting of the Amalgamated Fund was also held under the chairmanship of Governor Bagde.
They approved income and expenditure of Rs 406.46 lakh, and also approved several proposals for financial assistance – including: Scholarships for children of war veterans studying in military schools and defense training institutes have been announced.
Addressing the meeting, Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to the welfare of ex-servicemen.
He said that 250 people have benefited from the educational recruitment scheme for ex-servicemen and this year 40 war veterans have been selected in Rajasthan Administrative Service.
“Our aim is to ensure that every war veteran gets easy access to employment and welfare information on an integrated digital platform,” Rathod said.
Minister of State Vijay Singh Chaudhary, Military Board Chairman Prem Singh Bajor and Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant were also present in the program.
The Governor’s direction and approval is a major step towards strengthening Rajasthan’s welfare infrastructure for war veterans and their families, reinforcing the state’s commitment to honor the service and sacrifice of its soldiers.
–IANS
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