Haryana Government has decided to set up a separate Department of Sainik Welfare to provide services to ex-servicemen (ESM) of the State in a more efficient and effective manner. The State Cabinet which met under Chief Minister Manohar lal approved a proposal in this regard. The Cabinet has also approved the recommendations of the Committee of Officers headed by Chief Secretary to increase the retirement age of doctors of the Health Department.
After the Cabinet meeting, Haryana senior Minister Anil Vij while talking to the mediapersons said the Department of Sainik Welfare, with an independent Administrative Secretary, will be staffed mostly by ex-servicemen who are in a better position to understand the difficulties and needs of ex-servicemen, war widows and dependents and they will deliver State and Central Government services to them in a more responsive and sympathetic manner.
At present, the Haryana Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) provides services to ex-servicemen and widows. The Rajya Sainik Board will continue in its present form and synergy between Rajya Sainik Board and Department of Sainik Welfare will be ensured since Secretary of the Board will also be Director of the Department.
The new Department will ensure that the benefits under various schemes of both the State and Central Governments are processed, sanctioned and released to the ESM, Widows and their relatives within a stipulated time period and ensure speedy redressal of grievances. Besides, it will also ensure release of ex-gratia funds and provide jobs to dependents, said Vij.
The Minister said Haryana has always been at the forefront in honouring its brave soldiers and officers who have made supreme sacrifices in the service of the nation. With only 1.3 per cent of geographical area and one per cent of the population of the country, Haryana contributes about 10 per cent of the total strength of Armed Forces.
The State has more than 2.82 lakh ex-servicemen, 1,232 war widows, 83,250 widows and serving personnel. Apart from this, there are 1802 World War II Veterans and 5139 World War II Widows.
The existing Zila Sainik Boards (ZSB) will be renamed as District Sainik Welfare Offices (DSWO) and the Zila Sainik Welfare Officers will now be called as Additional Director Sainik Welfare-cum-Zila Sainik Welfare Officers.
Retirement age of doctors enhanced
Haryana Cabinet approved the policy to give an offer to the doctors, who have retired from Haryana Civil Medical Service (HCMS) and are below 65 years of age to get re-employed on the principle of last pay drawn minus pension for discharging only clinical duties in a hospital of their choice. Only those doctors, who are below 65 years of age and have at least one year remaining to attain 65 years on the date of filing application will be eligible for re-employment, if they so desire.
Such doctors may indicate three hospitals in the orders of priority, where they would like to get posted for performing clinical duties against vacancy of any level.
Those doctors, who are still in service, their retirement age would be increased from 58 years at present to 65 years for performing only clinical duties. On attaining the age of 58 years, they will cease to hold administrative posts of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Director, Additional Director General, Director General or any other equivalent post.
During the period beyond 58 years, the doctors will continue to be governed by the Conduct Rules as well as Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules. The service beyond the age of 58 years will be continued towards qualifying service for ACP, increments and other benefits if applicable.
In case a doctor does not wish to work in clinical capacity upon attaining the age of 58 years, he or she will have the option to seek voluntarily retirement at the age of 58 years with full pension.
Extension beyond 58 years will be granted only if the service record has been satisfactory, no charge sheet for major penalty is pending and integrity has never been doubtful. However, if a charge sheet for a major penalty is pending, the extension in service may be granted subject to outcome of the pending disciplinary proceedings.
Road connectivity between Faridabad and Greater Noida to be improved
With a view to improve connectivity between Faridabad and Greater Noida, Haryana Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Public Works (Building and Roads) Department for construction of two-lane road connecting Faridabad-Jassana-Chirsi-Manjhawali-Sheikpur in Haryana and Atta Gujran to Greater Noida Expressway in Uttar Pradesh including four-lane bridge over River Yamuna.
With the completion of the project, there will be a reduction of 40 kms distance between Faridabad and Greater Noida. The joining of the borders of both states will reduce congestion of traffic now going from Faridabad to Noida via Delhi. The movement of perishable goods would also be facilitated.
A total of 40.915 acres of land would be required, by way of negotiation, for the project and a total compensation of over Rs 41.95 crore would be given to the people in the villages of Manjhawali, Mojmabad Majra Sheikhpur and Sheikhpur.