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Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
After 7-year legal battle, Chandigarh Armed Forces Tribunal orders Rs 16k monthly pension to veteran, Rs 20 lakh in arrears
It took the intervention of the ex-servicemen's grievances cell and a legal battle that lasted seven years for Gurpal Singh, 80, a former soldier of the 5 Sikh Regiment, to get his rightful pension and military benefits. Last month, the Armed Forces Tribunal in Chandigarh finally ordered the Army to grant the resident of Andheri village in Kharar a 'reservist pension', along with 10 years of arrears. 'The most significant and prestigious thing for me is having been accorded the status of an ex-serviceman,' he said. As per the verdict dated May 8, 2025, Singh will now receive Rs 20 lakh in arrears, Rs 16,000 per month as pension, free medical treatment for family members, access to the Army canteen, and other benefits accorded to ex-servicemen. Singh said he was recruited into the Army on October 28, 1961, and served until October 27, 1970, completing nine years of active service. His enlistment was based on a '7/8 year condition (seven years of regular service and eight years reserve)'. However, the Army denied him a pension, citing 'non-availability of position' post regular service. In 2018, Singh approached Lt Col (Retd) S S Sohi, the head of the Mohali Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell, who promptly filed a case before the Chandigarh Armed Forces Tribunal. The Army initially contended that 'no old records were available' to support Singh's claim. Advocate R N Ojha appeared for Singh, overcoming multiple legal hurdles, including justifying the delay in approaching the Tribunal, and proving that his service terms were violated. Despite the odds, the Tribunal eventually ruled in Singh's favour.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Ladakh Scouts regiment inducts 194 Agniveers in Leh
A passing out parade was held at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre in Leh on Thursday to mark the entry of 194 well-trained Agniveer recruits into the Ladakh Scouts Regiment as Agniveer soldiers. The ceremony conducted in consonance with the highest traditions of the Army and was reviewed by Major General Gurpal Singh, YSM, SM, GOC Uniform Force as the chief guest and was attended by a spectrum of military, civil dignitaries and parents of Agniveers. The young Agniveers, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, participated in the parade and are now ready to serve for the supreme cause of the nation. The reviewing officer congratulated the Agniveers for the parade and urged them to devote their life in service to the nation as proud soldiers of the Army. He also congratulated the proud parents for having motivated their wards to join the regiment and complemented the Ladakh Scouts personnel for their outstanding performance in all spheres and their exceptional valour and contributions. He exhorted the young soldiers to continue to strive hard in pursuit of excellence in all spheres and take a solemn vow to defend the sovereignty of the Nation against all odds in the true spirit signified by the ethos of the Army. The young Agniveers were awarded medals for their outstanding performance during the training. Gaurav Padak was also presented to the parents who are either serving or have served in the Army and whose wards joined the Regiment as Agniveers.
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Indian Express
GMADA builds five world-class theme parks in Mohali with rare plants from India
In a major step towards making Mohali greener and more attractive, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) is developing five state-of-the-art theme-based parks in the newly developed IT City sector. These will include a Herbal Garden, Rose Garden, Bougainvillea Garden, Palm Garden, and Fragrance Garden. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 13.5 crore. What makes the parks special is the collection of rare and unique plants sourced from across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kolkata, and Bihar. In addition, the contractor has been assigned a three-year maintenance responsibility to ensure proper upkeep of these valuable green spaces. Speaking to The Indian Express, GMADA's horticulture department executive engineer Mandeep Singh said, 'Each species planted in the Fragrance Garden has been brought from different states so that every corner of the park offers a unique aroma. In the Rose Garden, we are planting premium varieties of roses sourced from Kolkata and Maharashtra. The Bougainvillea Garden will showcase a vivid spectrum of colours, including rare double-shade varieties.' The landscape design of these five parks is being done in international style, making them not just green spaces, but a visual delight for visitors. GMADA horticulture officer Gurpal Singh said, 'Plantation work worth Rs 3 crore is being done along the IT City roads, and this includes a five-year maintenance plan. It is aimed at turning Mohali into a green, beautiful, and eco-friendly city.'
