Welfare and resettlement of exservicemen is the joint responsibility of the union and states/UTs. To evolve election strategy in Punjab by the ex-servicemen, The past performance & potentials of political leadership of sorts concerning the defenders of the Nation was the main agenda discussed in thread bare by the shadow cabinet of All India Defence Brotherhood (Pb.) today at Chandigarh said, Brig. Kuldip Singh Kahlon, State President.
Addressing the media and the constituents of the brotherhood, Brig. Kahlon stated that estimated strength of Ex Servicemen, widows, their family members and also serving warriors from Pb. all put together it works out to be around 25 lakhs. In the prevalent uncertainly amongst the voters and the candidates and fragile political atmosphere in Punjab particularly with the kissans in fray the win/loss margin during voting amongst the main political rivals will be very narrow. If only 5% of defence voters could exercise their franchise it could tilt the balance in any direction. Unfortunately the rulers are expert in creating division amongst the masses. Now the trend has also set in amongst the forces.
While reviewing contribution of govts and political leadership, Concerning the Defence Subjects, Brig. Kahlon said that during the 17th lok sabha elections BJPs 2009 manifesto called sankalp patar and also PM Narinder Modi said that 75th Independence Anniversary, 75 targets will be achieved during 2022 which also included implementation of OROP Scheme ofcourse one time increase in pension has been paid. However there are many anomalies and even equalization of pension wef. from April 2019 have not been addressed. Inter-alia Ex Servicemen face great hardships because on central govt directions smaller CSD Canteen have been closed and bigger ones Lack adequate stocking similarly budget cut of ECHS has affected the supply of medicines and widows are worst hit. Major issues like Establishment of Ex Servicemen National commission and formulation of national policy for the welfare of soldier have not found the light of the day.
In Punjab Captain Led Congress Govt. during 2017 pledged that Vat on all CSD items will be Exempted and also they will be Exempted from paying toll tax on State Highways. It was also assure that their problem will be attended on the priority job reservation quota of 13% will be completed. Unfortunately none of the
promises have been fulfilled except GOG. There are many other issues remain unattended. Capt. Govt. Assured that the central govt. will be approached for 100% Implementation of OROP which was not done. In fact it was Partap Singh Bajwa, MP who repeatedly kept pressurizing UPA Govt. by raising in parliament the issue of OROP. He also led Brotherhood delegation for meeting with the than Defence Minister, Mr. Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Then Only UPA Govt. in parliament approved the concept of OROP in Feb 2014.
Survey Conducted by AIDB Pb. Revealed that by and large the politicians from Punjab have shown any no sympathy towards the defence community with the result that their major issues have remained unresolved. Majority of the Ex Servicemen have Expressed faith in the INC and some veterans also feel that they will support kissan candidates.
State President also honored the newly inducted shadow cabinet members by issuing appointment letters, they include Col. Perminder S Randhawa Sr Vice President, Brig. MPS Bajwa, YSM and Col. Baldev Singh Aulakh both as Vice Presidents, Brig. PS Ghuman, Advocate Legal Advisor, Dr. Khushal Singh Sr. Media Advisor, Mr. Brijinder Singh Randhawa NRI Advisor, Mr Timmy Mahajan technical Advisor and S. Iqbal Singh Secretary.
Brig. KS Kahlon
President
