‘Our aim is to take care of ex-servicemen as they took care of India’s security’

Leh, Jun 27 (FN Agency) Asserting that the aim of the centre is to take care of ex-servicemen in the same way they took care of the security of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled the commitment given to the armed force veterans by providing ‘One Rank One Pension. The Defence Minister made these remarks while addressing 300 war veterans and ex-servicemen in Leh, where he arrived on Sunday on a three-day visit to review the overall security situation in the hinterland and along the borders in the Union Territory.

Mr Singh said there is a crisis in Indian politics because there is huge difference in the words and deeds of leaders. “Yes there are some issues due to which we are not able to do what we intend to do. But, that doesn’t mean that we don’t want to do it,” he added. “Since I have taken over the charge of Defence Ministry, I have met our veterans many times. These meetings used to last for several hours. Our aim is that all of you should be taken care of in the same way as you all have taken care of the security of our country. Despite this, if you people have any problem somewhere, a helpline has also been arranged for that and you can raise your issues,” the Defense Minister said. Lauding the veterans, he said the dedication of our soldiers towards the country is an exemplary example. “I express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart to all. This gratitude is for the dedication with which all of you served the nation,” he said.

He said the problem of resettlement after service persists. However, he said job fairs are being organized by Directorate General Resettlement from time to time, in which a large number of veteran brothers are given employment. “We are trying to speed up this work,” the Defense Minister said. “In 2014, people used to say that ‘one rank, one pension’ was only an election slogan and it can never be achieved. “But, it was one of the first things which we did. PM Modi fulfilled the commitment given to the armed force veterans by providing ‘One Rank One Pension’,” he said. “I would like to once again bow my head in front of all of you for your commitment towards the nation. Our government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi is committed to the welfare of Ex-Servicemen,” he added.