Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: President Sainik Samaj Party (SSP) JKUT Col SS Pathania has express concern for inconvenience being caused to gallantry award winners, to get their complimentary railway passes renewed, every year by Ferozpur railway division.
As per the policy in vogue, gallantry award winners and their wives have to go to Ferozpur to get their passes renewed every year. A large number of award winners have gone old and find it extremely difficult to go to Ferozpur for renewal of passes.
The winners of President’s Police Medal are also equally affected in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Pathania said, adding that opening of office in Jammu in the premises of Jammu Railway Station will greatly help in mitigation of this problem.
Pathania said that with the advent of digital technology, online renewal of passes is highly feasible and must be considered by railway authorities, adding that option of renewal of passes after every three years, instead of one year too, needs to be considered, as there is no scope of misuse, since photo of award winner is affixed on the complimentary railway pass.
Service of Zila Sainik Welfare Offices, located in every district of UT, can be fine tuned, covering various aspects of renewal of passes.
He urged the Lt Governor, Union of India and Railway Minister to take the holistic view of this important issue and mitigate the sufferings and pains of Chakra series awards winner and Veer Naris, who have immensely contributed in ensuring security and sovereignty of our nation.