LEH: Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) attended the Trishul Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Rally organised by 3 Infantry Division at Kharu.
He commended the 3 Infantry Division for organising an exemplary and well-organised ESM Rally to provide solutions to various issues faced by the ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and Veer Matas. Commending the cultural performances of the school children, HLG expressed his happiness to see young kids being trained to enhance their understanding of social responsibility for the higher good of society.
Stating that the Indian Army has come a long way, LG lauded the facilities being provided by them to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and Veer Matas in today’s world compared to the last few decades. He appreciated the steps being taken by the Indian Army for the benefit of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and Veer Matas.
LG informed about the steps being taken by the Administration to enhance the ex-gratia given to the relatives of the martyrs from Rs 5 lakh to 25 lakhs. He also stated that even families of Indian Army personnel from Ladakh who lose their son/husband while serving the country outside the region would be entitled to ex-gratia.
LG stated that it was the brave soldiers of the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre who changed the mindset of the people of the country towards the Indian Army and earned the respect they deserved with their exemplary display during the Kargil War. This change in the attitude of the people towards the Indian Army is a step towards encouraging the jawans/troops to continue to serve the country with full dedication.
Appreciating the step taken by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi for approving the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) scheme to all eligible pensioners of the armed forces, HLG stated that the ex-servicemen can now live their retired lives independently and conveniently.
LG informed about the Administration’s plan to provide adequate facilities to ex-servicemen in Kargil. He appealed to 14 Corps to reinforce Operation Sadbhavana and continue it in areas of Ladakh where troops are deployed; provide more facilities at the Indian Army-run schools/ coaching centres where students are undergoing coaching/studies for entrance examinations and train the eligible youth where Indian Army units are deployed for their recruitment under the Agniveer scheme.
LG also felicitated the ex-servicemen who have won gallantry awards, while His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche felicitated Veer Naris and Veer Matas.
Earlier, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Infantry Division, Major General PK Mishra, welcomed the guests and informed LG that more than 700 ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and Veer Matas from 21 villages of Kharu block are taking part in the Trishul ESM Rally. He also informed that 18 stalls have been set up to assist them on various pension, health, banking, insurance related issues.
Students from Army Goodwill School and Manjushri Lamdon Model School along with locals presented cultural/dance performances to the guests during the event.
GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Rashim Bali; His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, GOC 3 Infantry Division Major Gen PK Mishra; Deputy GOC 3 Infantry Division Brigadier Sunil Sheoran; Commissioner Secretary, Saugat Biswas; Director, Rajya Sainik Board Ladakh, Col Lobzang Nima (Retd); Col Sonam Wangchuk (Retd); officials from armed forces; ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, villagers and officials from various banks and institutes were present during the event.
Meanwhile, several delegations from Khangral, Shargole, Lamayuru and Khaltsi called on Mishra on last day of his tour to Kargil on Wednesday.