Punjab Mann Government stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of martyrs: Mohinder Bhagat

Punjab’s Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, and Horticulture, Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, today reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity, and prosperous life of martyrs’ families, affirming that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with them.

He was addressing a state-level felicitation ceremony organized by the Punjab Government at the District Defence Services Welfare Office in Jalandhar. During this event, the beneficiaries from martyrs’ families who were provided with government jobs under the Honour and Gratitude Scheme in the past two years were felicitated. 

The Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal and Director, Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) were also present on the occasion.” In his address, the Cabinet Minister stated that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken several soldier-centric initiatives to ensure the welfare of the dependents of martyred soldiers. 

He informed that the ex-gratia amount for the families of martyrs has been increased to ₹1 crore, and in the past two years, 25 dependents have been provided with government jobs in various departments. He acknowledged that while no compensation can truly offset the loss of a loved one, these efforts aim to secure the livelihood and dignity of the families and help them lead a better life.

Mr. Bhagat affirmed that the nation remains forever indebted to its brave soldiers who laid down their lives guarding the borders. Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to honouring and supporting them, he informed that a field office has been set up at the local Defence Services Welfare Office to directly address issues related to ex-servicemen and dependents of martyrs. 

Moreover, officials are conducting meetings in various districts to hear and resolve the grievances of ex-servicemen. He also interacted with members of martyrs’ families and assured appropriate resolution of their issues.

On this occasion, the Cabinet Minister also appealed to former soldiers to actively participate in the Punjab Government’s intensified ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign. He encouraged them to extend the same dedication they showed in safeguarding the nation’s borders to now aid the fight against the drug menace in Punjab.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal assured that the dignity and honour of martyrs’ and ex-servicemen’s families would be ensured in all government offices and promised every possible assistance from the district administration. Commander Baljinder Singh Virk (Retd.), District Defence Services Welfare Officer, highlighted the enhanced benefits and newly launched schemes being provided to martyrs’ families and ex-servicemen under various Punjab Government programs.

During today’s state-level function, families of 25 brave martyrs from various districts of Punjab were honoured in recognition of their supreme sacrifice for the nation. These included the families of Naik Gurjant Singh from Village Kaipur Araian, Amloh in Fatehgarh Sahib; Sepoy Gurpreet Singh of Village Badeshe, Malerkotla; and HC/GD Mitha Singh of 36 Bn CRPF, Mansa.

Tributes were also paid to Sepoy Prabhjot Singh from Village Bura Gujjar, Sri Muktsar Sahib; Naik Mandeep Singh of Village Chattha, Gurdaspur; and Naik Gajjan Singh from Pachranda in Rupnagar district. The family of Havaldar Gurninder Singh from Village Ganoora, Rupnagar, was also felicitated on the occasion.

Other martyrs whose families were honoured included Sepoy Amardeep Singh of Village Karamgarh, Barnala; Sepoy Varinder Singh of Lehragaga, Sangrur; and Gunner Jasbir Singh from Village Wainpui, Tarn Taran. The sacrifice of Naik Gurjant Singh (Shaurya Chakra, Posthumous) of Village Ralla, Mansa, was specially acknowledged.

The ceremony also honoured Sepoy Jasman Singh from Village Dhilwan, Barnala; Inspector Mohinder Singh of Naraingarh, Amritsar; and Constable Rajesh Kumar from Village Jandiali, Ludhiana. Sepoy Jagsir Singh of Village Lohgarh Thakaran Wala, Ferozepur, and Lance Dafadar Kuldeep Singh from Bathinda were also remembered.

Among others honoured were Lance Naik Kuldeep Singh from Village Lahoke Kalan, Ferozepur; Sapper Palwinder Singh of Village Dhindsa, Ludhiana; and Naib Subedar Omkar Singh of Village Najowal, Pathankot. The Families of Havaldar Amritpal Singh from Village Dhaipai, Faridkot; Head Constable Dulla Singh from Village Manihala Jai Singh, Tarn Taran; and Head Constable Satbir Singh of Village Fatehpur Sialba, SAS Nagar, also participated in the event.