Ex-servicemen take up welfare issues with Uttarakhand Governor

Uttarakhand Governor Lt-Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) interacted with ex-servicemen at the Chandimandir Military Station today, where he discussed various welfare issues, including pension, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme and canteen stores department (CSD) facilities.

Talking about the much-debated Agniveer scheme for short-term recruitment into the armed forces, he said there was meaningful discussion on the issue and several suggestions on the tenure, emoluments and welfare measures were put forth, which he hoped would be considered by the government.

Terming the scheme as an important element of nation building and national security, the Governor said the training of Agniveers was progressing well and the standard of the youth coming forward was quite high. He expressed hope that decisions about Agniveers would be taken in line with the Army’s ethos of striving for excellence.

Describing ex-servicemen as an extended family, he assured prompt action on their concerns and pledged to convey their suggestions to the competent authorities.

The Governor also laid a wreath at the Veer Smriti war memorial to pay tributes to martyrs and later visited the Western Command Museum.