Hoshiarpur- Punjab Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture, Mahinder Bhagat today visited the District Defence Services Welfare Office, Hoshiarpur. On this occasion, he paid tribute to the martyred soldiers by offering a floral wreath at the war memorial and formally inaugurated the renovation of the Sainik Rest House. Apart from this, he also presented cheques to the needy ex-servicemen and their families. Earlier, they were also given a magnificent guard of honour by a contingent of Punjab Police.
Addressing the function on this occasion, Cabinet Minister Mahinder Bhagat said that ex-servicemen are the pride of our country and the state government is fully dedicated to the honor and welfare of them and their families. He said that if any soldier or his family faces any problem, they should immediately inform the District Defence Services Welfare Officer so that the problem can be resolved in time.
He also directed that quarterly meetings on issues related to the welfare of ex-servicemen be held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, which are also being held regularly at present.
Earlier, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Sarabjit Singh Saini welcomed the Cabinet Minister and informed that there are 117 retired officers, 61,621 ex-servicemen, 7,428 widows, 137 war widows and 221 awardees in Hoshiarpur district. He informed that the department is also providing facilities like computer courses and redeployment opportunities to ex-servicemen and their families.
On this occasion, Director of Defence Services Welfare Punjab, Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon said that the department is providing the benefits of various schemes and new policies being run by the state and central governments to the ex-servicemen.
On this occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Nicas Kumar, S. D. M Dasuha Kanwaljit Singh, S. P. Dr. Mukesh, Vice President District Sainik Board Colonel (Retd) Malook Singh, Colonel (Retd) Raghbir Singh, besides officials of the district administration and police administration, staff of the District Defence Services Welfare Office, Veer Nariyas, ex-servicemen and their families were present in large numbers.