The North News
Chandigarh, December 16
Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat has reviewed the progress of welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen and their families, calling for faster resolution of pending cases and improved service delivery. Chairing a meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Bhagat held discussions with senior officials of the Defence Services Welfare Department to assess ongoing programmes and address key concerns affecting former service personnel. Additional Chief Secretary J M Balamurugan presented an update on departmental work, including the construction and upgradation of war memorials, the functioning of Sainik Schools, budgetary provisions and pension-related matters.
The meeting also examined facilities at departmental rest houses and measures to strengthen support systems for veterans and their dependents. Bhagat directed officers to ensure that all pending cases of ex-servicemen are resolved within set timelines, stressing that such matters should be treated on a priority basis. He said the state government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remained committed to safeguarding the welfare, dignity and social security of ex-servicemen and their families.
The minister added that benefits under government schemes must reach all eligible beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner. The meeting was attended by Director, Defence Services Welfare, Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (retd), and Officer on Special Duty Colonel Jarnail Singh (retd).
