The North News
Chandigarh, December 31
The Punjab government says it has taken a series of measures in 2025 to strengthen welfare support for families of martyred soldiers, ex-servicemen, widows and disabled personnel. According to the Defence Services Welfare Department, the initiatives were carried out under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and on the directions of Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat.
Bhagat said the state had provided government jobs to the next of kin of 10 martyred soldiers during the year under its Honour and Gratitude Policy. He added that on Kargil Vijay Diwas, family members of 65 soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Vijay were honoured for their sacrifice. The minister said ₹3.66 crore was disbursed as ex-gratia assistance to families of martyred and disabled soldiers in 2025. He also noted that a budgetary provision of ₹63.22 crore has been made in the current financial year for schemes benefiting martyrs’ families, gallantry award winners and ex-servicemen.
Bhagat said pensions for ex-servicemen and widows are being released through the SPARSH portal to ensure transparency. To address pension-related grievances, 15-day assistance camps were organised at all district defence services welfare offices across the state.
He added that the government also distributed electric three-wheel scooters to 10 disabled soldiers to improve mobility and quality of life. Reaffirming the state’s commitment, the minister said Punjab would continue to introduce welfare-oriented initiatives for the families of martyrs and former servicemen.
