An Ex-servicemen Mela was organised by Indian Army at Rajouri. The rally aimed at identifying and mitigating problems faced by the veterans and to address the difficulties faced on pension matters, availing of medical facilities and other facilities extended to the Ex-servicemen of the region.
Approximately 180 Ex-servicemen, 30 Veer Naris & Widows of deceased soldiers and their dependents participated in the mela. The participants included veterans hailing from far flung areas of Rajouri who enthusiastically undertook the arduous journey to be a part of the event. Ex-servicemen mela began with a warm reception of the Ex-servicemen and Veer Naris. Bilal Rashid and Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Rajouri addressed the gathering and said, “We have a very good legacy of soldiering in J&K especially Rajouri district and the lessons from your service life of discipline, hard work and character are visible in the society around you. Your responsibility today as civil society is of much more importance than before”. He praised the dedication and hard work of the retired rank and file of the Armed Forces and their role in the society.
He also emphasised that the youth of today is looking for guidance for the way ahead and all veterans should become a role model for them. He exhorted the younger generation to learn from the Veterans and emulate their lives in ensuring a progressive and prosperous J&K. Ex-servicemen mela generated awareness about the various welfare schemes and benefits extended, as also to provide assistance to the veterans in order to alleviate their problems. Number of awareness and assistance stalls were established for registering grievances of the veterans by pension, service, relief and rehabilitation agencies and health & medical departments.
The event attempted to alleviate problems being faced by the veterans like pension disbursal, canteen facilities, medical facilities etc.
