Minister visits war museum, says welfare of ex-servicemen priority for state govt

Punjab’s Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Minister, Mohinder Bhagat, said the welfare of freedom fighters, ex-servicemen, widows, and their dependents was the state government’s priority.

During his visit to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum and the Defence Services Welfare office here, the minister lent an ear to the concerns of ex-servicemen and their dependents and expressed his department’s commitment to addressing their issues. He emphasised that the nation would always be indebted to these brave individuals, whose sacrifices secured the country’s Independence.

He disclosed that 13 per cent vacancies had been reserved for the ESM in the Group A, B, C and D posts in Punjab. Bhagat highlighted the importance of providing efficient and transparent services to them and asked the officials concerned to address all their concerns promptly.

He stressed the need to raise awareness about the war museum, stating that it was an excellent place to learn about the history of the martyrs of the country and the wars that took place after Independence.

The minister also honoured the parents of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in a landmine explosion at the Kalal Sector in Jammu and Kashmir during operational duty on January 18, 2024. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had already provided Ajay Kumar’s family with a cheque of Rs 1 crore last year.

Besides, the minister presented a cheque of Rs 1 lakh from the Flag Day Fund to Sukhveer Kaur, the widow of Naik Ranjit Singh, who served in the 112 Engineer Regiment and died on duty on November 10, 2024. He also distributed cheques of financial assistance amounting to Rs 5,000 each to 12 non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows from the Flag Day Fund.

Earlier, the Cabinet Minister was accorded a guard of honour at the museum by the district administration during his maiden visit to Ludhiana after assuming office. He took a salute from a Punjab Police contingent and laid a wreath at the memorial.

Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal welcomed the Cabinet Minister to the museum. Bhagat also held a brief meeting with the DC and other officials to review on-going schemes.

Director of Defence Services Welfare Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (retd), and District Defence Services Welfare Officer Group Captain Davinder Singh Dhillon (retd) were also present on the occasion