By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 2 Jun: Sources have claimed that the Pushkar Singh Dhami Government is actively considering the introduction of a new arms licence policy for ex-servicemen in Uttarakhand. Discussions on the proposal are currently underway within the State Home Department as part of a broader exercise aimed at strengthening the welfare framework for the retired military personnel in the state.
Not only this, the sources have also claimed that the government is also deliberating on providing free legal assistance to ex-servicemen facing increasing disputes relating to land and property matters. The officials are aware of the fact that many retired soldiers encounter legal challenges after returning to civilian life. The sources also asserted that that institutional support can help them secure timely justice and protect their rights.
Among the ex-servicemen, there has long been a sentiment that they should be permitted to possess arms for self-defence after retirement. During their years of military service, the soldiers develop a deep professional and emotional association with their weapons, which symbolise their duty, discipline and readiness to safeguard the nation. In many cases, expertise in handling firearms also opens up employment opportunities for them in the private security sector after retirement.
It may be reminded here that the ex-servicemen have consistently demanded priority in the grant of arms licences, and the state government is understood to be examining this demand seriously. Sources indicate that various aspects of the proposal are being evaluated to ensure that the policy adequately addresses the aspirations and security concerns of retired soldiers while remaining within the framework of existing laws.
It may also be recalled that the Dhami Government has already announced 10 per cent horizontal reservation for Agniveers retiring under the Agnipath scheme in recruitment to the police, prison and forest security services. The government has also directed the departments concerned to issue recruitment notifications before December this year so that retiring Agniveers can benefit from the reservation provisions without delay.
Sources also indicated that the government is of the view that trained and disciplined youth emerging from military service can make a significant contribution to internal security organisations. The availability of personnel already trained by the Armed Forces would reduce training costs and enhance operational efficiency within these departments.
At the same time, the state government has urged the private sector to create employment opportunities for the retired Agniveers and ex-servicemen in the larger national interest. Efforts are also being made to formulate self-employment and entrepreneurship schemes to enable retired military personnel to become economically self-reliant after their service tenure.
Sources further indicate that deliberations regarding welfare measures for retired personnel of the paramilitary forces are also in the final stages. The government is reportedly exploring ways to extend benefits and support mechanisms similar to those available to ex-servicemen so that former members of central armed police and paramilitary organisations can also receive adequate assistance after retirement.
The government is also keen to involve retired soldiers and their children in nation-building and skill development programmes. The opinion within the government is that the experience, discipline and leadership qualities acquired during military service can be effectively utilised in various developmental initiatives while also ensuring better future prospects for their families.
Chairman of the Uttarakhand Ex-Servicemen Welfare Advisory Council, Col (Retd) Ajay Kothiyal, has also admitted that several rounds of discussions on ex-servicemen welfare have been held with CM Dhami towards strengthening various welfare measures for the ex-servicemen in the state. He also conceded that extensive dialogue has also taken place at the government level on various welfare-related subjects following the CM’s directions. He expressed confidence that the government is moving towards taking concrete decisions on several of these issues.
Kothiyal further said that the Uniform Pension Scheme has benefited lakhs of ex-servicemen. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only strengthened the nation’s security architecture but has also introduced several welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen that had been long-standing demands of the military community during their years of service.
At the same time, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also stated that, being the son of a soldier, he understands the aspirations and concerns of military families. He also described Uttarakhand as the land of brave soldiers whose commitment to national security has always remained paramount. The CM also asserts that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special directions regarding the welfare of soldiers after their service tenure and that the state government is working as a dedicated servant of ex-servicemen and former paramilitary personnel.
Dhami adds that the government is examining several new proposals aimed at ensuring a secure and prosperous future for retired soldiers and their families. Emphasising the state’s commitment to the military community, he said every ex-serviceman’s home is a part of the government’s extended family and that the welfare of soldiers will continue to remain a priority for the state.
