Punjab to strengthen ex-servicemen welfare dept

Punjab Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture, Mohinder Bhagat, today said the District Defence Services Welfare Offices across the state would be strengthened to facilitate the welfare of ex-servicemen in a big way.

During his maiden visit to the Saink Sadan, Mohali, Bhagat said he was taking stock of the existing set-up and the facilities available at the district level so that the shortcomings could be overcome.

He also raised concern over disparity in disability pension and said a lumpsum honorarium for war widows till the time their family pension is sanctioned, is under consideration of the state government.

Bhagat said where required, issues concerning ex-servicemen and their dependants would be taken up with the Central Government for an early disposal.