Ex-servicemen rally held in Mathura

To commemorate 50 years of Strike 1 Corps and showcase the Army's commitment towards its veterans and their families, an ex-servicemen rally was organised here today.
Over 5,000 ex-servicemen and their dependents from Mathura, Hathras and Aligarh in UP and Alwar in Rajasthan attended the session at Helipad Ground in Mathura.
GOC Strike 1, Lt Gen A B Shivane, VSM, Mathura District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar and many other dignitaries were present on the occasion, a statement by Colonel Gen Staff (IW) said.
The rally lived upto its motto of "Sampark - Swasthya - Sahuliyat" by reaching out to maximum veterans and families of old comrades and resolving their problems regarding various issues related to welfare schemes, medical and mobility aid, pension and job placements, it said.

A number of stalls were established to cater to various aspects of ex-servicemen like Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Unit Run Canteen, Resettlement, Sainik Boards, Helpline, Record offices, Army Welfare Placement Organisation.
A fully equipped medical camp was also organised where various specialists offered advice and free medicine was provided, the statement said.

Addressing the rally, Lt Gen Shivane reiterated Army's solidarity with its retired fraternity and assured the gathering that the government and the Army are sensitive to their needs and would take every step to ensure that they and their families are cared for and looked after well.
The ceremony also comprised cultural programmes with a display by military band being the highlight of the day.

A total of 13 modified auto-scooters, two wheelchairs and two air mattresses were distributed to those soldiers who had become paraplegic or amputees during various military operations.
Besides, a number of veterans and their families received benefits of various grants and aids under different schemes.
Lt Gen Shivane launched battery operated Yatrika Cart Service designed and built by indigenous resources for the Army personnel and their families residing in Mathura Cantt, release said.
The Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers have fabricated this environment friendly, pollution free, battery operated car in Army workshop at Mathura Cantt. The vehicle will felicitate free of cost commuting for patients and seniors citizens within Mathura Cantt including the Military Hospital, it said.