Early Times Report
Kathua, Sept 20: To discuss the problems and demands of Ex-servicemen, J&K Ex- Servicemen League organized one-day convention, here on Saturday.
District President of league retired Captain Sagar Singh presides over the function whereas, SSP Mohan Lal grace the occasion as Chief Guest.
In the convention, various speakers expressed their concerns in connection of pending issues and problem faced by ex-army men.
Several ex-servicemen briefing their demands and problems said that's the principals of one rank one pensions is followed all over the world except in India, it is comprehensions as to why ex-servicemen are being treated as sons of lesser GOD, he said before independence on the retirements the army men were paid at 80% of the last pay drawn.
They further said Government had approved establishment of housing colonies for the war widows, soldiers and ex-servicemen in the year 1999 with the direction to the Jammu Development Authority for acquiring land for the colonies. Despite our best efforts, land acquisition is still lingering for the last 12 years and not single Marla of land acquired until date.
Moreover, the speakers also stressed on the exemption of VAT on canteen stores in the state, soldiers have been agitating since the VAT levied on the canteen stores in 2002 while many states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh had exempted the VAT, whereas J&K is levying 13.5%. The ex-servicemen said that our crusade would remain continue until we get our demands solved in a peaceful and dignified manner.
In his address, Sagar Singh District president of the league highlighted the issues like exemption of VAT on canteen stores in J&K, 15% reservation in Govt. Jobs, Granting arms licenses to the Ex- Servicemen, one rank one pension, recruitment rallies at district level and many others which are pending and still unaddressed.
He urged the state as well central government to take serious steps towards genuine demands of the ex-servicemen including acquisition of land for housing colonies for war widows and soldiers, mobile CSD canteen, transport to MH Pathankot. |
