Army Veterans Connect: Ex-Servicemen Share Concerns, Experiences with Senior Officers
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In a significant initiative, more than 200 Army veterans and their families from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region gathered at the Army Veterans Connect Programme in Mumbai on December 20. The event provided a platform for ex-servicemen to interact with serving leadership, share their experiences, and raise concerns in a respectful environment. Lt Gen DS Kushwah, General-Officer-Commanding, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa Area, presided over the programme, reaffirming the Army's commitment to the welfare, dignity, and well-being of its veteran fraternity. The Area Commander expressed deep gratitude for the selfless service and sacrifices made by veterans and their families, emphasizing their integral role within the Army family. The programme highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening veteran outreach and welfare, including the deployment of MIL teams to address issues and disseminate information on various welfare programmes. The Area Commander also drew attention to joint reviews of Canteen Stores Department and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme facilities, aimed at improving service delivery and infrastructure. During the interaction session, veterans raised pressing issues directly with senior officers and representatives of welfare agencies, focusing on topics such as the shortfall of Zila Sainik Welfare Officers, enhancing employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, and improving reservation provisions and recruitment in State Government jobs. Officials from veteran-centric organisations briefed the gathering on initiatives such as SPARSH, ECHS, and the efforts of the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans and the Rajya Sainik Board to ensure seamless pension services and quality healthcare. The programme also discussed the establishment of Sainik Sankul Complexes across Maharashtra, integrated welfare hubs that will include Boys' and Girls' Hostels, Multipurpose Halls, CSD outlets, ECHS Polyclinics, and Veterans' Welfare Offices. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive support to Army veterans and their families.
