Welfare dept organises drive to reach out to martyrs’ families

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 10

To bridge the communication gap between martyrs’ families and society, the sainik welfare department (SWD) conducted a programme for adoption of Veer Naris through various NGOs and social organisations.

The department looks after welfare of ex-servicemen and families of martyrs. It also processes various schemes of the Centre and state government.

“It was felt that there was a communication gap between martyrs’ families and society,” said Brigadier (retired) Harcharan Singh, director, rajya sainik welfare department.

He said the families were left in isolation in spite of the fact the supreme sacrifice of martyrs. “To curb this disturbing trend, the sainik welfare department started a campaign and requested various departments, NGOs and citizens to visit the martyrs’ families and maintain a close liaison with them,” said the Brigadier.

Rajni Kumari, 35, from Arnia, who lost her husband Naik Sarwan Kumar in the Pathankot attack of 2005, said since her husband’s death she had been facing great hardships.

“Earlier also, such efforts were made by different organisations, but nothing happened. No government agency reached out to us,” said Rajini Devi.

Ritu Devi, widow of late Havildar Parveen Singh, also had similar views. Havildar Parveen Singh lost his life while fighting militants in 2003. Ritu Devi of RS Pura said she took to teaching in a private school that helped her survive.

“Except a gift of tea cups costing Rs 150, we never got anything from the government or from any agency. The martyrs’ families are most unfortunate as they lose their members for the nation, but in return they are forgotten by the government as well as people,” said Ritu Devi.

Earlier, Jammu mayor Chander Mohan Gupta, who attended the function, assured all possible assistance to the martyrs’ families. Eight Veer Naris were adopted by members of Inner Wheel Club.

Brigadier Harcharan Singh informed that a regular check will be maintained by the department to see that NGOs adopting Veer Naris conduct regular visits to their houses and address their problems.

“The president of the SWD is Governor Satya Pal Malik to whom every activity is forwarded. NGOs and individuals working for Veer Naris are given appreciation certificates,” said Brigadier Harcharan Singh.