Punjab Government to Provide Employment for Agniveers Post-Retirement: Mohinder Bhagat
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ November 12,2024
Punjab’s Defence Services Welfare Minister, Mohinder Bhagat, announced today that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing employment opportunities for Agniveers after they retire from the Army. Mohinder Bhagat was visiting a public grievance hearing held under the ‘Punjab Sarkar Aap De Duar’ initiative in Patiala, where he met with ex-servicemen to address their issues.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohinder Bhagat highlighted that the first cohort of 800 Agniveers is expected to retire in 2027. However, since they will not be eligible for ex-servicemen benefits, Chief Minister Mann has already directed the preparation of a proposal to ensure jobs for these young veterans. “The government is proactively taking steps to secure the future of those who have served our nation with honor,” Mohinder Bhagat stated.
Addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows, and gallantry award recipients at the District Defence Services Welfare Office, Mohinder Bhagat reaffirmed the Punjab government’s dedication to resolving pension-related issues for ex-servicemen. He further emphasized that the state will engage with the central government and Ministry of Defence to tackle difficulties arising from the issuance of life certificates under the Sparsh program.
To ensure a systematic approach to grievance redressal, Mohinder Bhagat announced that district administrations across Punjab have been instructed to convene monthly coordination meetings with the Defence Services Welfare Department to address the concerns of ex-servicemen in a timely manner.
Praising the invaluable service of soldiers in safeguarding the country’s borders, Bhagat remarked, “A soldier’s dedication to the nation remains unwavering, both during active service and after retirement.” He described ex-servicemen as a highly respected and integral part of society and reiterated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Mann, would continue to support them in every possible way, including by visiting them in their homes.
The Minister encouraged ex-servicemen to actively engage with District Defence Services Welfare Offices to report any issues they face. Those in attendance expressed their appreciation for the state government’s initiative and thanked Bhagat for addressing and resolving their grievances on the spot.
Brigadier (Retd.) Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, Director of the Defence Services Welfare Department, accompanied Cabinet Minister during the event.
Punjab Government to Provide Employment for Agniveers Post-Retirement: Mohinder Bhagat. During Mohinder Bhagat’s first visit to Patiala as Cabinet Minister, the Patiala Police honored him with a ceremonial guard of honor. Also present were Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, SSP Dr. Nanak Singh, ADC Isha Singal, District Defence Services Welfare Officer Wing Commander (Retd.) Gurpreet Singh, DSP Satnam Singh, and Tehsildar Kuldeep Singh.
