HAMIRPUR: Himachal Pradesh Governor and President of the Rajya Sainik Board Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday interacted with members of the Directorate Sainik Welfare and ex-servicemen in Hamirpur and took note of issues concerning their welfare and well-being.
Brigadier Madan Sheel Sharma (Retd), Director, Directorate Sainik Welfare, Hamirpur, apprised the Governor of various concerns being faced by ex-servicemen and their families. He also briefed him about the status of the pending Shaheedi Smarak, construction of which began in 2023.
The Director informed the Governor that the last meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board was held in 2016 and stressed the need to convene a fresh meeting to review matters related to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.
The Governor assured the delegation that genuine issues raised by them would be taken up with the State Government for appropriate action. He also said that a meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board would be convened at the earliest.
Recognising the contribution of the armed forces and the sacrifices of martyrs, Gupta announced a ₹5 lakh contribution towards construction of the Shaheedi Smarak.
He said a memorial dedicated to martyrs was not merely a structure but a symbol of the nation’s gratitude to those who laid down their lives for the unity, integrity and security of the country.
The Governor said the memorial would serve as a source of inspiration for future generations by instilling values of courage, patriotism, sacrifice and service to the nation.
Gupta also appealed to Members of Parliament and legislators from Himachal Pradesh to contribute towards the project so that the long-pending memorial could be completed at the earliest.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the welfare and genuine concerns of ex-servicemen, war widows and their families receive due attention, saying those who have served the nation deserve respect, dignity and continued support from society and the government.
