Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Colonel SS Pathania (Shaurya Chakra), President Sainik Samaj Party, J&K Chapter, has expressed dismay over the archaic attitude and an outdated process followed by Indian Railways for mandated renewal of ‘Complimentary Passes’ issued by the Government of India to the winners of Paramvir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra series of awards.
“Such awards are given by the President of India to personnel of the defence forces, police, para military forces, civilians etc in recognition of their acts of exemplary gallantry. The passes so issued entitle such awardees free AC II Tier train travel for self and an attendant to chosen destinations,” Pathania informed
He said such passes were required to be renewed from the nearest railway station every three years, adding ironically, the awardees from J&K were required to get these renewed from Ferozpur, being the railway Divisional Office, after substantial paper work, however, at times the same may require one or two visits too, which stops many awardees from availing the privilege of these passes.
Col Pathania has urged Railway Ministry for introducing procedure for online renewal of these passes or authorizing Jammu Office of the Indian Railways to renew the passes of the awardees belonging to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also has implored upon the Lieutenant Governor to look into this very genuine issue faced by such nationally recognized citizens and take up the matter with the Railway Ministry to redress this longstanding grievance of gallantry award winners of J&K.
“This noble step will go a long way in mitigating the hardships and assuaging deprivation felt by the elderly awardees,” he said.
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