ARMY CHIEF VISITS YOLE AND ADDRESSES EX-SERVICEMEN RALLY AT PATHANKOT

Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh visited Rising Star Corps for a review of the operational preparedness of the Corps. On arrival at Yol Cantonment, he and Mrs Bubbles Singh were accorded a very warm welcome by Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, GOC-in-C Western Command, Mrs Anshul Chachra and Lt Gen Anil Bhalla, GOC 9 Corps and Mrs Kavita Bhalla. After reviewing of the operational preparedness of the Corps, Chief and Mrs Bubbles Singh visited Pathankot.

Gen Singh on taking over had given out his key result areas, which include operational readiness, force modernisation, strengthening the work culture, effective human resource management, enhanced security consciousness and jointness with other services and welfare of veterans, Veer Naris and widows. To give thrust to the KRA of welfare of veterans, the Chief, addressed a large gathering of approximately 5000 veterans at Pathankot. The Rally in Pathankot, was one of the largest attended by ex-servicemen from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and assisted by local civil organisations looking after the welfare of Ex-Servicemen. The General assured the gathering that the government and the Army are sensitive to their needs and would take every step to ensure that the Ex-Servicemen and their families are cared for and looked after well.

At the rally, the Army had set up a number of stalls to render assistance on pension, health, education, housing, insurance, placement, recruitment and personnel records to resolve the problems of Ex-Servicemen and spread awareness about various rehabilitation and welfare schemes for the Veterans, Veer Naris, Gallantry Awardees, Disabled Soldiers and their dependents. The Chief told the gathering that the sacrifices made by these heroes would continue to inspire the present and future generations and motivate large number of youngsters to serve our motherland. On the occasion, the Army Chief honoured the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra winners and their families.

Mrs Bubbles Singh interacted with approximately 625 Veer Naris and 500 disabled soldiers. She also inaugurated new Asha School for differently-abled children at Pathankot and an ECHS Polyclinic at Unchi Bassi.