Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Feb 17: Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Choudhary Lal Singh today said the Government would address all the issues and grievances of the ex-servicemen of the State.
Speaking to the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association, Kathua, here today, the Minister said their role in the nation building couldn’t be sidelined assuring that Government is committed for their welfare.
Members of the Welfare Association projected their demands which included issuance/renewal of gun licenses, recruitment rallies for the children of ex servicemen, VAT exemption on CSD canteen items, cash prize for gallantry award winners at par with any other State and financial assistance to the families of the martyrs.
Lal Singh gave patient hearing to the demands projected by the members of the Association and assured them of fulfilling their demands at the earliest.
Speaking to the members, the Minister lauded the role of the ex servicemen for participating in various progressive works undertaken in the society across the Jammu region. He said for issuance and renewal of gun licenses a special camp will be held by the district administration, dedicated only to ex-servicemen.
Eulogizing the efforts of ex servicemen in Eco Task Force, Singh said that for combating environmental degradation in areas affected by desertification, Army`s Eco Task Force along with Forest Department will involve in afforestation and eco-restoration programs in those areas which witnessed massive depletion of green gold. He said the ornamental, fruit and medicinal plants will be planted for maintaining and preserving the ecological balance.
He said at a time when environmental issues are usually topics of debate rather than calls for action, stakeholder must display unmatched enthusiasm in these eco-restoration campaigns.
Later, Lal Singh launched a special plantation drive at Women’s College, Gandhi Nagar here.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the Forest Department will provide green cover to the schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the State. He said the Government is also aiming to popularize plantation with sustained drives in various regions of the State.
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