WESTERN COMMAND BOOSTS VETERANS' WELFARE: 42 VSKS, ECHS AND MORE INITIATIVES, INTEGRATED VETERANS COMPLEX SANCTIONED IN MOHALI
Face2News/Chandigarh
To commemorate the 9th Armed Forces Veterans Day, The Indian Army’s Western Command observed Veterans day at various places in Command Area of Responsibility including Pathankot, Samba, Kathua, Satwari, Bani Machhedi, Jalandhar, Delhi, Ambala & Tricity Chandigarh between 14th to 19th January, 2025. The week-long celebrations were dedicated to honour the contributions and sacrifices of veterans of the Indian Armed Forces while in the line of duty.
Western Command organized a grand function at Chandimandir on 19th January. Over 1400 veterans from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force attended the event.
On the occasion, The Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, and Mrs. Shuchi Katiyar, Regional President Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), interacted with the veterans and their families, expressing gratitude and appreciation for their invaluable services to the nation.
During the interaction, Lieutenant General Katiyar praised the veterans' contributions to the civil society after retirement, which enhanced the image of the Armed Forces and catalyzed progress & development in their respective fields. He assured the veterans of Western Command's unwavering support and sought their counsel in modernizing the Indian Armed Forces and contributing to nation-building.
Western Command has established 42 VSKs to act as a single-window grievance redressal mechanism for all veteran problems. The online working of the ECHS scheme has been bolstered with the commissioning of six new servers. An Integrated Veterans Complex has been sanctioned for Rs 30 Crores at Mohali, which will include transit accommodation for medical treatment, land for which has been acquired from the state government and work will start in earnest.
The event also honoured distinguished nonagenarian senior veterans, including Maj Gen Savinder Singh Sandhu, Lt Col D R Katoch, Col H S Singha, and Lt Col K C Mehta. The veterans expressed their appreciation for the various steps taken for their well-being and affirmed their continued support.
The event also facilitated the resolution of various challenges faced by veterans, with Veteran Sahayta Kendras (VSK) and banks setting up stalls to provide personalized assistance and resolution of pension/SPARSH related issues. The veterans were also updated on additional facilities, including the Ex-serviceman Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
Western Command has established 42 VSKs to act as a single-window grievance redressal mechanism for all veteran problems. The online working of the ECHS scheme has been bolstered with the commissioning of six new servers. An Integrated Veterans Complex has been sanctioned for Rs 30 Crores at Mohali, which will include transit accommodation for medical treatment, land for which has been acquired from the state government and work will start in earnest.