Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Apr 25: Akhnoor unit of the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association held its monthly meeting under the chairmanship of its president, Lakhbir Singh Sohan, a Naval veteran.
The meeting witnessed active participation from veterans of the Army, Navy and Air Force residing in the area. Group Captain Sanjiv Gupta (Retd) attended the meeting as a special guest.
During the meeting, members discussed several issues concerning Ex-servicemen and their families. Key matters included pension-related grievances, healthcare facilities under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), welfare schemes, the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, and traffic problems in Akhnoor town.
Addressing the gathering, the chairman highlighted various schemes and benefits available to Ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and widow pensioners. He also apprised members of the latest rules and developments related to Ex-servicemen welfare and stressed the need to strengthen the association.
A significant concern raised during the meeting was the critical health condition of the only son of Havildar Dev Raj, who is suffering from a serious heart ailment requiring immediate transplantation. The family is facing financial hardship, compounded by the nearing expiry of their ECHS card. The chairman appealed to members to extend moral and financial support to the affected family.
The association also discussed a charter of demands submitted to the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory on April 21, 2026. Other welfare issues, including the construction of a Sainik House in Akhnoor, were deliberated upon. Members resolved to enhance outreach efforts to address pension, CSD and ECHS-related concerns.
Speaking on the occasion, Group Captain Sanjiv Gupta (Retd) emphasized unity among Ex-servicemen and suggested preparing an annual roadmap for future activities. He also proposed celebrating Kargil Vijay Diwas and Republic Day collectively.
Proceedings of the meeting were conducted by General Secretary Kaka Ram Captain Romesh Chander concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Sanjiv Gupta, Jugal Gupta, Vijay Kumar, Rameshwar Dutt and Raghuvir Singh.
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