One rank, one pension will be implemented soon: KJ Singh

Urging the Army veterans to have patience and not to resort to protest and demonstrations on the issue of one rank, one pension, Lt Gen KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, today said the modalities of implementation of the much-awaited scheme were being looked into.

Lt Gen KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, hands over the key of a vehicle to an ex-serviceman during a rally held at the Khasa military station in Amritsar on Sunday. PHOTO: RK SONI

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Khasa (Amritsar), Dec 7

Urging the Army veterans to have patience and not to resort to protest and demonstrations on the issue of one rank, one pension, Lt Gen KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, today said the modalities of implementation of the much-awaited scheme were being looked into.

He was here to preside over an ex-servicemen rally organised at the Khasa military station here today.

Addressing the huge number of ex-servicemen gathered at the Khasa military ground, he said the government was in discussion with various stakeholders and the scheme would be implemented once it is approved.

In a brief interaction with the media, he said the Army was providing assistance to the government for organising awareness programmes and campaigns against drug de-addiction.

“Punjab has always been in the lead to sacrifice its sons for the defence of the nation,” said Lt Gen Singh, adding that the welfare of veterans was their prime responsibility.

He assured that the well being and comfort of all those who have given precious years of their life to the Army were looked after on priority basis and it would always be so.

Meanwhile, the rally witnessed nearly 10,000 ex-servicemen and their family members turning up for the event. Senior officers of the Army and the Punjab Government were also present on the occasion.

The major aim of the veterans rally was to reach out to the ex-servicemen settled in far-flung areas and address their grievances, besides spreading awareness about various welfare schemes being run by the Army for the welfare of its veterans.

Various stalls pertaining of ECHS medical facilities, Army Placement Node and ex-servicemen helpline service were organised under one roof.

Many stalls giving information about the welfare schemes were also established where all veterans could gather first hand information about various welfare schemes being run by Veteran Cells at the Army headquarters.

Departments of agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, postal services and employment exchange also established their stalls at the rally.