The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken several steps to ensure the welfare of soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families during the year 2024. Guided by the visionary Defence Services Welfare Minister, Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, these reforms and initiatives reflect Punjab's strong commitment to supporting its Armed Forces community.
Giving information about the major reforms and new initiatives taken by the Defence Services Welfare Department for the welfare of soldiers, the Minister, Mr.Mohinder Bhagat said that the Maintenance of Monthly Grant for Blue Star-affected Dharmi Faujis has been raised from ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per month. “This significant reform demonstrates government’s dedication to ensuring financial stability for affected families,” he said.
Highlighting enhanced support for disabled soldiers, Mr. Bhagat stated that the ex-gratia payments for soldiers disabled in service have been doubled, with compensations now ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹40 lakh, depending on the level of disability. This reflects government's unwavering commitment to those who have served the nation with courage and dedication.
Speaking about the War Jagir Scheme, he added, “We have doubled the annual assistance to beneficiaries under this scheme from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000. Additionally, financial aid for non-pensioned World War I and II veterans and their widows over the age of 65 has been increased from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per month, ensuring a dignified life for our aging war heroes and their families.”
Reaffirming Punjab’s respect for its martyrs, the Minister stated, “we paid tribute to 65 families of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Vijay at a solemn ceremony held at the Punjab State War Heroes Memorial in Amritsar. Later, another grand event was organized at Ludhiana’s War Memorial to honor 114 soldiers martyred during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. These ceremonies underline our enduring gratitude to the martyrs and their families.”
Discussing efforts to instill patriotism, he added that last year, a month-long cycle rally was organized from November 8 to December 7, traversing various districts of Punjab. The rally concluded at the War Memorial in Chandigarh and remembered the sacrifices of our martyrs and veterans, inspiring a deep sense of pride and unity among citizens.
Highlighting the department’s focus on employment, Mr. Bhagat explained that 14 dependents of martyrs were provided government jobs under the Honour and Gratitude Policy. Additionally, Punjab ensures 13% reservation for ex-servicemen and their dependents in direct recruitment, with 2,044 posts filled over two years. This demonstrates government's unwavering commitment to empowering the families of our soldiers.
On administrative reforms, the Minister shared that new service rules for Group B and C officers were introduced, approved by the Cabinet, and the department was strengthened by recruiting five District Defence Services Welfare Officers through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC).
To ensure smooth pension disbursement, he said that a 15-day special SPARSH Camp was organized to facilitate 1,691 ex-servicemen, widows, and dependents in uploading their life certificates. Moreover, a comprehensive Compendium of Welfare Schemes was published and distributed among beneficiaries to ensure they are well-informed about government assistance.
Emphasizing recognition for distinguished service, Mr. Bhagat stated that the lump sum grants for military awardees have been revised. For instance, recipients of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal now receive ₹6 lakh, while those honored with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal are granted ₹6.5 lakh. This revision underscores the government's deep respect for the valor and achievements of our armed forces personnel.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister said that the year 2024 has been a transformative period for the Defence Services Welfare Department. He emphasized that every initiative reflects the government's deep gratitude for the sacrifices of our soldiers and their families. The state government remains resolutely committed to ensuring their welfare, dignity, and prosperity.