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Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
SC Justice Surya Kant inaugurates legal aid centre for armed forces families
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant virtually inaugurated a specialised legal aid centre for armed forces personnel and their families on Monday, emphasising that those who fight for the country deserve 'justice and honour' while their families merit 'justice with dignity.' The program was organised by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Srinagar. Under the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, the inauguration of a dedicated legal aid centre for armed forces took place at the Sainik Welfare Department in Ghorpadi, coinciding with Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations. The initiative was a collaborative effort between the National Legal Services Authority, Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority, Pune and the Maharashtra State Soldier Welfare Department. Speaking at the event, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar said, 'The Legal Aid Centre is a step to honour soldiers and their families. It is an excellent example of administration, judiciary and social commitment working together.' He emphasised that providing timely and free legal aid with dignity is essential for military personnel and their dependents. Justice Mahendra K. Mahajan, principal district and sessions judge, Pune, said that around 50 percent of citizens are unaware of available legal aid schemes and government benefits. 'This especially includes the families of military officers and employees,' he said. 'Our soldiers do not retreat under any circumstances; they always stand to protect the country. Protecting them and their families is the true form of justice.' Secretary of Pune District Legal Services Authority Sonal Patil said, 'A soldier fights on the battlefield, but after him, his family's fight for justice begins. It is our duty to stand by them in that fight.' The centre will provide legal services, including advice on criminal, civil, service, and pension matters, assistance with accident and insurance compensation cases, guidance on property disputes, information about government schemes, free legal representation, and counselling services.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Uttarakhand hikes ex-gratia for Param Vir Chakra awardees to ₹1.5 crore
As a gesture to honour soldiers on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced an increase in the ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. The state government has taken the decision to revise the ex-gratia amount given to Param Vir Chakra recipients to Rs 1.5 crore, a threefold increase. In addition, veterans will continue to receive an annual grant of Rs 3 lakh. Dhami made the announcement during the Sainik Samman ceremony held in Khatima, organised on the death anniversary of his father, late Subedar Sher Singh Dhami. The Chief Minister has also approved the proposal submitted by the Sainik Welfare Department, a release said. This increase of Rs 1 crore in the ex-gratia amount underscores the Chief Minister's commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their families, it added. Before June 2022, the ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees stood at Rs 30 lakh. The cabinet raised it to Rs 50 lakh on June 10, 2022, and a government order was issued on July 14, 2022. Now, the amount has been further raised to Rs 1.5 crore. Dhami said the country's borders remain secure due to the valour, courage, and sacrifice of India's brave soldiers. "In such a situation, it is the duty of every citizen to respect the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of the soldiers. Uttarakhand is not only Devbhoomi but also Veerbhoomi, which has given many brave soldiers to the country. The life of a soldier and his family is an example of discipline, sacrifice, and service. The state government is committed to the welfare of the soldiers and their families and is constantly taking concrete and effective decisions to protect their interests," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Hans India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Governor reviews ex-servicemen initiatives
Vijayawada: Governor S Abdul Nazeer, who also serves as the chairman of the State Managing Committee for the special fund dedicated to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of ex-servicemen, on Thursday chaired a meeting of the committee at Raj Bhavan. During the meeting, Brigadier V Venkata Reddy, VSM (Retd.), director of the Sainik Welfare Department, provided a comprehensive presentation to the committee members. He detailed various programmes currently being implemented through the special fund, outlining the efforts to support and rehabilitate former military personnel. Brigadier Reddy also presented proposals for future initiatives, including the construction of integrated Sainik Bhavans, war memorials, and community centers across various districts of the state. These facilities are aimed at enhancing welfare services and providing dedicated spaces for ex-servicemen and their families. Several officials and dignitaries including S S Rawat, special chief secretary, GAD, Major Gen Ajay Misra, GOC HQs TASA; Kumar Vishwajeet, principal secretary of home department; Dr M Hari Jawaharlal, ex-officio secretary to Governor, Brig Digvijay Singh Basera, VSM, secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, New Delhi attended the meeting.


Hans India
04-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Veera Ratna Foundation to support families of fallen soldiers
Vijayawada: Brigadier V Venkat Reddy, Director of the State Sainik Welfare Department, said here on Tuesday that inspired by the sacrifice of a military Colonel in Karnataka who died in the line of duty, the Veera Ratna Foundation has been established to support the families of fallen soldiers. State Sainik Welfare Department in collaboration with the Karnataka-based Veera Ratna Foundation jointly organised an awareness programme aimed at empowering 'Veera Naaris' here. Addressing the Veera Naaris, Brigadier Venkat Reddy stated that the programme's objective was to raise awareness among these families, who have lost loved ones in the service of the nation. He commended the State government's decision to increase financial assistance for families of fallen soldiers from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. He also mentioned that efforts were underway to provide 300 square yards of house plots, along with either 2.5 acres of wet land or five acres of dry land. Furthermore, opportunities are being created for Veera Naaris aged between 25 and 35 to join as women police officers. Archana Chakravarthy, CEO of Veera Ratna Foundation, shared that their foundation currently provides services to Veera Naari families in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat, with aspirations to expand nationwide. She expressed happiness at the Sainik Welfare Department's invitation to extend their services to Andhra Pradesh. She reiterated the foundation's commitment to supporting the children of fallen soldiers with their education, health and other needs. The foundation also aims to provide training in various skills and professions to help these women achieve financial and mental stability. The foundation also plans to present 'Sainik Memorial Awards' in the schools where the martyred soldiers studied, with the awards being handed over by the Veera Naaris themselves. Additional Director of the Sainik Welfare Department Shiv Prasad, the district officials, Veera Ratna Foundation staff and families of soldiers who sacrificed their lives at the borders, from various districts also participated.


India Gazette
30-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
CM Dhami announces training centre for retired soldiers in Uttarakhand; increases ex-gratia to Rs 50 lakhs for fallen soldiers' families
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 30 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday attended the 'Ek Samvad: Veer Sainik Ke Saath' program on the success of Operation Sindoor at Doon Sainik Institute in Garhi Cantt, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. While speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that a centre will be set up in the state to train retired soldiers. The Sainik Welfare Department will take action on this. CM Dhami further added that the unique example of bravery, sacrifice and unwavering dedication set by our soldiers in Operation Sindoor will continue to inspire generations to come. The Chief Minister said that due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong leadership and clear policy, this decisive action against terrorism was successful. 'Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, along with boosting the morale of our soldiers, the army is being equipped with state-of-the-art technology and weapons. India is becoming self-reliant in the defence sector,' he remarked. The Chief Minister said that the tough decisions taken under the leadership of the Prime Minister are breaking the backbone of the enemies of the country. Taking an immediate decision after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indus Water Treaty was cancelled. All trade routes with Pakistan have been closed, because trade and terror cannot go together. The Chief Minister said that many important decisions are also being taken in the interest of the soldiers under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The One Rank-One Pension, construction of the National War Memorial, increase in defence budget, and infrastructure in border areas have been strengthened. He said that the state government is committed to the welfare of soldiers and their families. The ex-gratia amount given to the dependents of the fallen soldiers has been increased from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs. The lump sum and annuity amount given to soldiers decorated with all gallantry awards from Param Vir Chakra to Mention in Dispatch has also been increased. It has also been decided to accommodate one member of the fallen soldier's family in a government job in the state and the period for applying for this has been increased from 2 years to 5 years. Free travel in government buses has been arranged for gallantry award-winning soldiers and ex-servicemen in the state. Serving and ex-servicemen are also being provided with a 25 per cent discount in stamp duty on the purchase of permanent property worth Rs 25 lakh. In memory of the state's fallen soldiers, a grand military shrine is being constructed in Guniyal village of Dehradun. (ANI)