Punjab Government’s Strong Commitment to the Welfare of Armed Forces and Ex-Servicemen : Chetan Singh Jauramajra

Chandigarh : The Defence Services Welfare Minister of Punjab, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering dedication to serving soldiers, the families of martyrs, and ex-servicemen. This commitment to their welfare was emphasized during the launch of a cycle rally to commemorate Armed Forces Flag Day, set for December 7, at the War Memorial in Bougainvillea Park, Sector-3.
During the event, Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra announced that the state government has increased the Ex-Gratia benefits for the next of kin of martyred soldiers from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1.00 crore. This significant enhancement is intended to provide greater support to the families of fallen soldiers.
Furthermore, the government has taken steps to improve the well-being of ex-servicemen and their dependents, aiming to ensure they lead dignified lives in society. The state government has approved a doubling of the ex-gratia grant for Disabled Soldiers, including those from both the Military and Para-Military forces.
For soldiers with disabilities ranging from 76% to 100%, the assistance has been increased to Rs. 40 lakh, while those with 51% to 75% disability will receive Rs. 20 lakh, and those with 25% to 50% disability will receive Rs. 10 lakhs. This move provides substantial financial assistance to those who have served their nation and need support due to disabilities.
Previously, soldiers with disabilities from 76% to 100% received Rs. 20 lakh, those with 51% to 75% disability received Rs. 10 lakh, and those with 25% to 50% disability received Rs. 5 lakhs as financial aid.Additionally, the government has decided to amend “The East Punjab War Awards Act, 1948” to increase the financial assistance of 83 beneficiaries from Rs. 10,000 per annum to Rs. 20,000 per annum.
The state government provides financial support, known as War Jagir, to parents who had one or two to three children serving in the Indian Army during the Second World War, National Emergency 1962, and 1971 under “The East Punjab War Awards Act 1948.”
The increase in financial assistance from Rs. 10,000 per annum to Rs. 20,000 per annum will benefit those parents whose children made sacrifices in the defense of the nation during the mentioned periods.The cycle rally, flagged off by S. Jauramajra, will traverse all the districts of Punjab and will culminate at Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh, on December 7, 2023, marking Armed Forces Flag Day.
The rally aims to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by Punjab’s soldiers for the country’s integrity and sovereignty, inspiring patriotism among the youth of Punjab and encouraging them to consider joining the Armed Forces.S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra also launched a QR Code as part of a new initiative to facilitate digital contributions to the Flag Day Fund, urging people to make online contributions to support Armed Forces Flag Day.During the event, cadets from various institutes and NCC wings paid tribute to the martyrs.
Prominent individuals present at the occasion included Principal Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Mr. JM Balamurgan, Director Brig. BS Dhillon, Deputy Director Cdr. Baljinder Singh Virk, civil dignitaries, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, and the staff of the Defense Services Welfare Department. The event reflected the government’s strong commitment to the welfare of armed forces personnel and ex-servicemen.