observer bureau
Jammu, Jul 22

A Veterans' Rally was organized by the Rashtriya Rifles Mahore at Sungri on 21 Jul 2012, for the Veterans (Ex-Servicemen) and Veer Naris residing in the area of responsibility, to alleviate the problemsbeing faced by them. The Veterans of the area had to travel a long distance to Udhampur or Jammu earlier, for attending such a rally. The holding of this event at Sungri was a welcome step in this regard and was appreciated by all. The rally was inaugurated by senior most Veteran present in the rally.
Total 75 Veterans and Veer Naris attended the rally, which afforded them a composite platform to express their grievances to the officials of the Zilla Sainik Board, Udhampur, and seek redressal, on the spot, and at a venue in the vicinity of the area where they live. At the rally, apart from resolving pension related problems and resettlement issues of the Veterans, emphasis was also given to important issues such as : medical treatment of Veterans and dependents, under the Ex-Serviceman Contributary Health Scheme (ECHS) and documentation for issue of their CSD and ECHS cards.
A medical camp was organized on the sidelines of the rally, wherein free medicines were also distributed to the needy, as per the medical officers' prescription. Medical staff and specialists from the Army treated and counselled the patients. Another highlight of the rally was the spreading of awareness of procedural formalities on the issue of financial assistance to the widows of veterans and other forms of financial assistance for those in need of funds, through the processing of loans through various Banks.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commander of the Rashtriya Rifles Sector in Mahore assured the Veterans that the Army would earnestly work to alleviate their genuine problems, and to provide every possible assistance to our valiant soldiers. He also dwelled upon the important role that the Veterans continue to play, towards overcoming the present turmoil in the State and he alaso impressed upon them, the need to encourage the youth of the area to remain in the mainstream. The rally was also attended by a number of dignitaries including: the SDM Mahore, the Tehsildar Mahore, Sarpanch, members of the Village Panchayat, various Bank officials, civil administration officials and a large number of Army officers from the local units formations.
The rally turned out to be a huge success as the Veterans were made aware of their entitlements and of the various beneficiary schemes available for them, under the implemented sixth pay commission of the Government of J&K. Besides helping the environment the civil administration also came to know the problems of Ex-Servicemen and how to address or resolve them.