Ex-Servicemen’s Joint Front Holds Important Meeting in Sarkaghat; New Office Bearers Elected and Key Veterans’ Issues Discussed.
Shimla:
The Sarkaghat Unit of the Joint Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs and ORs), Himachal Pradesh, held an important meeting at Shiv Vilas Hotel on Friday under the chairmanship of Captain Jagdish Verma (Retd.) Chairman Joint Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs & ORs), Himachal Pradesh. The meeting commenced at 11:00 a.m. with the National Anthem and witnessed active participation from a large number of ex-servicemen.
At the outset, members paid heartfelt tributes to the late Subedar Raju Ram Chauhan, former President of the organization, by observing a two-minute silence in his memory. The gathering remembered his dedicated service and valuable contributions to the welfare of ex-servicemen and the organization.
As the three-year tenure of the Sarkaghat Unit office bearers had concluded, elections were conducted during the meeting to elect a new executive body. The newly elected office bearers are:
– Captain Ashok Kumar – President
– Subedar Surendra Kumar – Secretary
– Subedar Ramesh Jamwal – Treasurer
– Subedar Major Baldev Singh – Chief Advisor
Following the elections, members emphasized the importance of unity and collective efforts for the welfare of ex-servicemen. The organization also resolved to hold meetings every four months to ensure regular discussion and follow-up on issues affecting veterans and their families.
A detailed discussion was held on several matters concerning ex-servicemen, including facilities available through the CSD Canteen, healthcare services under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and issues related to the proposed 8th Pay Commission. Participants shared valuable suggestions and concerns regarding the improvement of welfare measures for veterans.
Addressing the gathering, retired Captain Jagdish Verma informed members that a memorandum containing 25 demands and issues concerning ex-servicemen had already been submitted to the office of Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the 8th Pay Commission. He expressed hope that representatives of the organization may be invited for direct discussions with the Commission, providing an opportunity to present the concerns and expectations of ex-servicemen face-to-face.
The meeting also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of assaults and mistreatment involving serving and retired military personnel in different parts of the country. Members welcomed the introduction of a dedicated emergency helpline number, 155306, established for serving soldiers and ex-servicemen. It was highlighted that military personnel and veterans can seek immediate assistance through this helpline during emergency situations.
Among those present at the meeting were Nayak Rajender Kumar, Naib Subedar Dinesh Kumar, Havildar Ghanshyam, Naib Subedar Gurdeep Singh, Havildar Ram Kishan, Havildar Subhash Thakur, Subedar Major Pradeep Kumar, Subedar Major Kuldeep Chand, Havildar Ashok Sharma, and several other ex-servicemen.
