Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday unveiled 21-point agenda for the welfare of defence personnel in the State.
Establishment of an ESM Cell, a separate department for ex-servicemen as ‘Guardians of Governance (GoG)’ are among the key initiatives announced by Capt Amarinder as a part of the agenda, which is included in the party’s manifesto for the 2017 polls.
The agenda reiterates the party’s commitment to the correct implementation of one rank, one pension (OROP) as per the Koshiari Committee Report 2013. The party has also expressed its commitment to support the inclusion of pay parity between the defence forces and Class-A civil services and remove anomalies of the seventh Pay Commission.
Congress, once it comes to power in Punjab, announced to set up a full-fledged department ‘Guardians of Governance’ to give the ex-servicemen their due respect and gainful employment, Capt Amarinder Singh told the media at a press conference to announce nationwide support by the ex-servicemen to the Congress. He said that all ex-servicemen, whether employed by PESCO or otherwise, will be treated as skilled labour.