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Thursday, Jun 29, 2006

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Centre to encourage welfare projects for veteran soldiers

Special Correspondent

To share part of non-recurring capital expenditure

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said the Centre will encourage projects for the welfare of the veteran soldiers contemplated by the State governments.

The Centre would share part of non-recurring capital expenditure on such projects, he said while presiding over the 26th meeting of the Kendriya Sainik Board here on Wednesday.

State governments can supplement the efforts in rehabilitating the veteran soldiers and their dependants in many ways. He lauded States that have shown commitment in providing benefits for war causalities, disabled soldiers, widows and dependants of veteran soldiers. Bihar had recruited about 3,500 ex-servicemen in its police force. Rajasthan is constructing a war widows hostel-cum-rehabilitation centre.

The Minister referred to some recent initiatives such as the Prime Minister's scholarship scheme for children of retired personnel for technical and professional education from the current academic year. Under the scheme, girls will be entitled to scholarships of Rs. 1,500 a month and boys Rs. 1,200 a month.

Referring to the problems facing ex-servicemen, Mr. Mukherjee said a large number of well-trained, disciplined and highly talented Army personnel retire young. They are not only combatants but also technically qualified people spanning over 250 technical trades, and if this human resource is properly tapped, it may contribute the country's socio-economic development.

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