Chandigarh, September 9:- Haryana's Minister for Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare, Shri Rao Narbir Singh, said that no society or nation can ever repay the debt owed to brave soldiers who defend the motherland. The government can only make continuous efforts for their welfare and to safeguard the interests of them and their families. He said that the youth of Haryana have tremendous enthusiasm for joining the Indian Armed Forces, whether at other ranks or at the officer level. Shri Rao Narbir Singh said that recently, the recruitment process for the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, was successfully conducted in Panchkula. The examination was conducted for the session commencing in January 2027.
He said that the Rashtriya Indian Military College was established in 1922, before Independence. Since its establishment, the institution has been playing an important role as a nursery for military leadership. A large number of students trained here have subsequently joined prestigious institutions such as the National Defence Academy (NDA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA).
58.93 Per Cent Increase in Budget for the Welfare of Soldiers
Rao Narbir Singh said that the Haryana Government had established the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department in 2016. Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini announced in the 2026-27 budget the establishment of the Haryana Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Corporation to promote the rehabilitation and livelihood of soldiers. The process is currently in progress.
He said that the budget of the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department has been proposed to be increased by 58.93 per cent to Rs. 178.14 crore. This reflects the government's commitment towards soldiers and their families.
Government Jobs Provided to 423 Dependents of Martyred Soldiers
The Minister said that so far, 423 dependents of martyred soldiers have been provided government jobs during the tenure of the present government. Along with this, a decision has also been taken to increase the one-time gallantry award amount given to armed police forces and Agniveers.
He said that Haryana is the first state in the country to decide to provide reservation in government jobs to Agniveers on the lines of ex-servicemen for their rehabilitation. The Haryana Cabinet has also approved the policy in this regard. The first batch of Agniveers returned on July 31, 2026, after completing four years of service. The Haryana Government has made provision for reservation for Agniveers in the Haryana Police for the posts of S.P.I.O., Forest Guard and Fireman. For former Agniveers who want to establish enterprises for self-employment, interest-free loans of up to Rs. 5 lakh have been provided.
Significant Participation of Haryana Youth in the Army and Central Armed Forces
Rao Narbir Singh said that Haryana has always been a land of brave soldiers. The youth of the state are rendering important services in the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as in Central Armed Police Forces such as the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal and Assam Rifles.
Registration of Retired Central Armed Police Force Personnel to be Undertaken
The Minister said that the state government has decided to register retired Central Armed Police Force personnel from Haryana on the website of the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department. He appealed to all district Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Offices, ex-servicemen organisations, Central Armed Police Force organisations, Panchayati Raj institutions and local administrative officials to encourage eligible personnel to register and provide them with the necessary guidance.