Jammu, Aug 18 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired the 81st meeting of the Jammu Kashmir Rajya Sainik Board at Lok Bhavan and reviewed various issues related to the welfare of veterans, Veer Naris, widows and dependents.
The meeting discussed welfare delivery, grievance redressal, healthcare facilities and institutional strengthening for ex-servicemen and their families. The issues included the establishment of a Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) at Kishtwar and better coordination on pension-related matters.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to the welfare of veterans and their families and said all necessary steps would be taken to honour their sacrifices and ensure they live with dignity.
The Board also discussed the empanelment of government hospitals, including AIIMS Jammu, GMC Rajouri, GMC Doda and Government Hospital Kupwara, with the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to improve healthcare access for veterans and their dependents.
The meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Maj Gen Paramvir Singh Dagar, Chief of Staff, HQ White Knight Corps; Maj Gen KS Dhadwal, Chief of Staff, HQ Chinar Corps; Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary, Home, Chanderkar Bharti; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Neena Mishra, Principal Director, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Government of India; Brig Pankaj Chib (Retd), Director, Sainik Welfare Department, J&K; Brig Sandeep Kaushal, Commander 21 Sub Area; Air Commodore VP Singh; Col Pradeep S. Karki, Director, DRZ (North); Brig Virender Singh Slathia (Retd) and other senior officials.
The Lieutenant Governor also chaired a meeting of the State Management Committee (SMC) on the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
The Committee reviewed several welfare-oriented proposals related to medical and health support, infrastructure, outreach, education and skill development.
It also proposed initiatives including education and career incentives, deployment of psychological counsellors in identified areas, skill-development support and strengthening of welfare infrastructure for veterans and their families.(KINS)
LG Manoj Sinha chairs 81st meeting of J&K Rajya Sainik Board
