KALAKOT: An impressive veterans rally cum medical camp was organised at Kalakote, under Uniform Force on Thursday The rally was inaugurated by Commander, Tain Sector alongwith Naik Kirpal Singh (Retired), oldest veteran present who had retired in 1959. Around 400 veterans from Reasi and Rajouri Districts were in attendance. Tehsildar of Kalakote, BDO, Sarpanchs and officials of civil administration also graced the rally.
Key highlights of the rally included conduct of a Pension Adalat, Medical Camp with dentist, child specialist, gynecologist, ortho specialist, information kiosks and counters by various J and K State Government Departments as well as by army and police to generate awareness on schemes in vogue for veterans and also their dependents.
In addition to felicitating 20 Veer Naris for the valiant sacrifice of their sons/ husbands in the line of duty, four Gallantry Award winners, oldest veterans, eight widows, seven non pensioners, 11 orphan daughters and three meritorious students of veterans were also felicitated.
A variety of disability equipment including two wheel chair, two crutches and one survical collar were distributed to the disabled veterans and dependents during the rally. The army pipe bands played inspiring tunes and left the audience enthralled during the rally. A cultural programme was also presented by the students on a local Dogri song besides other programmes from various schools of Kalakote. A local street play group ‘Jan Jagran Manch, Kalakote’ also gave out a splendid performance to the audience on the life of a soldier.
Commander, Tain Sector complimented the veterans for their yeoman service and devotion to the nation. He exhorted them to holistically continue their contribution towards development of society and nation building post retirement. Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Rajouri and Director Resettlement, Headquarters Northern Command also interacted closely regarding latest welfare schemes with the veterans, Veer Naris, widows and assured early resolution of pending problems.
The Suvigya Package was the main attraction, which was extensively used by veterans to know their correct pension entitlement. The opening of Army Veterans Grievance Portal and an SBI, ATM at Kalakote, which was a long standing demand, was another welfare measure for the veterans. The event was very well appreciated by all veterans and they expressed their special gratitude for giving them a feel of never ending bondi with nation’s pride “The Indian Army”. They all thanked for providing welfare related information and resolving their pension issues on the spot. The rally was a real tribute to our brave veterans and Veer Naris.
