Army chief meets Punjab, Haryana CMs

Army Chief General Bikram Singh today held confabulations with the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana on civil and military related issues.
Gen Singh, who is on a two day visit to the Western Command, also met Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Shivraj Patil, a defence spokesman said here.
During his interactions, the Army Chief thanked the Governor, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his Haryana counterpart Bhupinder Singh Hooda for their "positive response" resulting in resolution to a number of pending civil and military issues, the spokesman said.
Matters related to requirement of concessional land allotment for 'Jai Jawan Awas Yojna' and reservation in housing schemes for ex-servicemen were discussed during the meetings, he said, adding that issues related to second career in the government for retired officers and resettlement of jawans who retire at a relatively young age, but are trained in human resources development and management, disaster relief, project and inventory management and other security related roles, also came up during the parleys.

Gen Singh assured the Chief Ministers that the Army could be counted upon to render all assistance in events of any unforeseen contingency, the spokesman said.
The Governor and Chief Ministers appreciated army's role in aid of civil authorities and assured the Army Chief of favourable response in matters for welfare of serving and retired army personnel, the spokesman added.