Defence Services Welfare Minister inaugurates renovation of Sainik Rest House
– Pays tribute to martyrs during visit to District Defence Services Office
Hoshiarpur / Daljeet Ajnoha/August 7 :Punjab’s Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, and Horticulture, Mohinder Bhagat, today visited the District Defence Services Welfare Office in Hoshiarpur. On this occasion, he paid floral tribute to the martyrs at the War Memorial and formally inaugurated the renovated Sainik Rest House. He also distributed cheques to needy ex-servicemen and their families. Earlier, he was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour by a contingent of Punjab Police.
Addressing the gathering at the event, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat said that ex-servicemen are the pride of the nation and the Punjab Government is fully dedicated to honouring and ensuring the welfare of both them and their families. He urged that if any soldier or their family faces any issue, they should promptly inform the District Defence Services Welfare Officer so that timely action can be taken.
He also directed that quarterly meetings under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner should continue to be held regularly to address welfare issues related to ex-servicemen.
Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Sarabjit Singh Saini welcomed the minister and informed him that Hoshiarpur district is home to 117 retired officers, 61,621 ex-servicemen, 7,428 widows, 137 war widows, and 221 gallantry award winners. He added that the department is also providing facilities such as computer training and re-employment opportunities to ex-servicemen and their families.
On this occasion, Director of Defence Services Welfare Punjab, Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon stated that the department is ensuring that ex-servicemen benefit from various schemes and policies launched by the state and central governments.
Present on the occasion were Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Nikas Kumar, SDM Dasuya Kanwaljit Singh, SP Dr. Mukesh, Vice Chairman of District Sainik Board Colonel (Retd.) Malook Singh, Colonel (Retd.) Raghbir Singh, officials from the district and police administration, staff of the District Defence Services Welfare Office, Veer Naris, ex-servicemen, and their families in large numbers.
