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The 28th annual meeting of the Secretaries of Rajya Sainik Boards began here today to discuss various issues related to Ex-servicemen (ESM) welfare. The meeting assumes special significance as it is taking place for the first time after the creation of the new department of ex-servicemen welfare in the Ministry of Defence. The matters related to the issue of ID cards for dependants of ESM, assured employment to one dependant of defence service personnel killed in action, re-registration of ESM away from their permanent home, tenure of Director Sainik Welfare and Zila Sainik Welfare officer and formation of Ex-servicemen Corporations in the States are some of the issues which are likely to be taken up during the meeting. The two day event will also focus on new policies and various schemes implemented by the Government for the benefit of ESM and also the new initiatives undertaken by the Directorate General of Resettlement and the Kendriya Sainik Board in the field of employment generation opportunities, training modalities and entrepreneurship development.
Inaugurating the meeting Dr. (Smt.) Rekha Bhargava, Addl. Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare) in the Ministry of Defence underlined the urgent need to rejuvenate the Rajya Sainik Boards in the country to make them more responsible towards Ex-servicemen (ESM) welfare. Smt. Bhargava said that the Ministry of Defence is deeply concerned with the welfare of ex-servicemen. She said the Ministry is having continuous discussions with several other Ministries like Finance, Food Processing, Small Scale Industries and Rural Development to explore more possibilities of helping ex-servicemen to set up their own enterprises. Smt. Bhargava requested the Secretaries of the various Rajya Sainik Boards to come forward with constructive suggestions towards the welfare of ex-servicemen.
The meeting of the Secretaries of Rajya Sainik Boards is held every year to discuss various issues relating to welfare and rehabilitation of ex-servicemen, widows of ESM and their families. The meeting also provides a platform for positive interaction between the Central and State Government representatives for sharing views on different problems being faced in implementing various policy matters related to welfare and resettlement of ESM fraternity.
SKS / HS
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