Ex-servicemen protest freezing of Karnal canteen’s bank account

Hundreds of ex-servicemen and their families staged a protest at the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) office in the city over the “abrupt” freezing of the bank account of the canteen on the order of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) office.

Protesters claimed that the move had affected around 11,000 families, and people were not able to get access to essential supplies since February 9.

The ex-servicemen alleged that the freezing of the bank account was discriminatory and was linked to a long-standing dispute involving the ESIC and the Golden Lions Canteen, Ambala. They alleged that despite having no direct involvement in the issue, the district canteen had been unfairly targeted, due to which ex-servicemen and their families had been running from pillar to post.

Brig Randhir Singh (retd), the president of the District Officers Welfare Association (DOWA), alleged that an order was issued by the bank, after which the canteen’s account is held, funds were frozen and available money was transferred to the ESIC through a demand draft. This action resulted in the canteen’s operations coming to a complete halt.

“We have approached each and every authority, to no avail so far. We demand the defreezing of the account so that we can avail benefits which we have been getting for several years,” he added.

Capt IS Kadyan (retd), a member of the association, said, “This is not a minor issue, but a huge one which affects not only ex-servicemen but also their families, who rely on the canteen for their daily needs. Ex-servicemen and their families are entitled to the services being provided by the Government of India. We demand that the account be defrozen at the earliest, otherwise we have no option but to take to the streets.”

He also maintained that any inaction in this regard would increase resentment among the state’s ex-servicemen, and their families. “We have been unjustly affected by a dispute that does not even concern us,” he added. Capt VPS Mann (retd) urged the government to intervene and ensure swift resolution. He said ex-servicemen’s welfare services had been disrupted since October 9, causing immense difficulties to ex-servicemen and their families. Col Rajbir Singh (retd), the Manager of the Karnal canteen, claimed that the bank account of the canteen was frozen due to a dispute between ESIC and Golden Lions Canteen.

“If there is a dispute, it should be resolved between them. Our canteen has no involvement in this matter. Karnal has around 3,500 ex-servicemen and around 11,000 beneficiary families, who rely on the district canteen for essential goods. Ex-servicemen and their families are suffering due to the freezing of accounts. The canteen account should be defrozen and the deducted amount, which has been transferred to ESIC, should be refunded back on priority so that ex-servicemen and their families get their dues,” he added.