JAMMU MARCH 15- Governor, Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha today called for expediting the work of Sainik Bhavans in Srinagar and Jammu, saying that these will prove important facilities for ex-servicemen in the two capital cities.
Chairing the meeting of 55th State Managing Committee of Rajya Sainik Board here this morning, the Governor appreciated the initiatives being taken by the State Government for the welfare of ex-servicemen and hoped that their genuine demands would be met soon.
The Governor also stressed the need for creating awareness and gearing up field agencies to raise funds through Flag Day Fund for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. He lauded the endeavours of Kendriya Sainik Board for providing liberal financial support to the Rajya Sainik Board for the needy ex-servicemen, widows and children of defence personnel of the State.
The Board discussed various agenda points and took decisions on revision of rates of various welfare schemes, payment for scholarship by the State Government to the children of Armed Forces personnel and financial assistance for participation in National Winter Games.
Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Brig (Retd) K S Kotwal said that the Board has acquired two kanals of prime land behind Civil Secretariat here near the Rajinder Singh Chowk through Jammu Development Authority on which a mega Sainik Bhawan is being raised. He also gave a brief profile of the activities undertaken by the Board during recent years with focus on the achievements during the current financial year. He said that the Flag Day Fund collection has registered increase over the years. Against 11 lakhs in 2004, the collections have shot up to Rs 20 lakhs last year.
Brigadier Kotwal said that 13 Sainik Sarais have already been put in place in Jammu and Kashmir. Those who attended the meeting included Chief Secretary, Mr B R Kundal, Financial Commissioner, Home, Mr S S Kapoor, Principal Secretary to Governor, Dr Arun Kumar, Chief of Staff, Northern Command, Director Resettlement Zone North, DGR, Maj General S G Chatter, Mr Sneh Gupta and senior officers of various services