Himachal Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dhaniram Shandil has sought Government of India assistance for setting up of Integrated Sainik Sadans in the State to facilitate the ex-servicemen with better residential facility.
Shandil raised this demand during the high level meeting of Central Sainik Board held at New Delhi on Thursday which was presided over by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parikar.
The Himachal Minister said there were around 18 Sainik Rest Houses in the State and the State Government had released a sum of Rs 2 crore for their renovation.
He said there was need to set up more Sainik Sadans in the State with modern facilities and the State had already sent a proposal to the Union Government for setting up Integrated Sainik Sadans at Solan, Rohru and Hamirpur. He urged the Union Minister to consider this proposal on priority.
Shandil informed the State Government had enhanced the pension of the soldiers of 2nd World War and their widows to Rs. 3,000 per month. The State Government had also made a provision of reservation of 15 percent posts in all government departments for the ex-servicemen, which was highest in the country.
He also raised the issue with the Union Government for providing qualitative health services to the ex-servicemen and their families and also urged for opening of more poly clinics in the State for which the State Government would provide land or government buildings on priority.
Secretary, Sainik Kalyan Board Mohan Chauhan and Director of the Board Brig. SK Verma also participated in the meeting.