Strong Demand for Establishment of a Paramilitary Welfare Board in Punjab
Chandigarh/Mohali: A five-member delegation of the Alliance of All Ex Para-Military Forces Welfare Association met the Chief Secretary of Punjab, Shri Kumar Anugrah Prasad Sinha, and reiterated its demand for the establishment of a “Paramilitary Welfare Board” in the state for the welfare, pension-related issues, healthcare, and rehabilitation of retired paramilitary personnel, families of martyrs, and their dependants.
Shri Ranbir Singh, General Secretary of the Association, stated that paramilitary personnel shoulder the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the nation, from Parliament House to the country’s borders. During floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, they have also rendered exemplary service by protecting lives and property. Their role in ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections is equally significant. In addition, these forces are entrusted with the security of airports, seaports, nuclear power plants, metro stations, government buildings, and important industrial establishments.
He observed that despite their extensive contribution to national security, much remains to be done to ensure adequate welfare facilities for serving and retired paramilitary personnel and their families.
The delegation comprised Shri H. R. Singh, former Additional Director General and President of the Association; former IGs Shri Anand Nimbadia and Shri K. J. S. Cheema; former DIG Shri Harbhajan Singh; and Shri Ranbir Singh, General Secretary of the Association.
Memorandum Earlier Submitted to the Chief Minister
The Association recalled that on 2 August 2024, a delegation of former paramilitary personnel led by former ADG Shri H. R. Singh had met Punjab Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh and submitted a memorandum on the issue. The Chief Minister had assured the delegation that the memorandum would be forwarded to the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Defence Services Welfare, for necessary action.
The Association maintains that the establishment of a Paramilitary Welfare Board is a policy matter requiring a decision at the highest level of the state government. Therefore, a concrete initiative in this direction is necessary.
Shri Ranbir Singh stated that a large number of families, particularly in rural Punjab, have members serving in the Army and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Establishing an effective welfare mechanism for these personnel and their families is, therefore, the need of the hour.
Major Demands of the Association
- Establishment of a Paramilitary Welfare Board in Punjab
A separate state-level Paramilitary Welfare Board should be established to address pension-related issues, rehabilitation, healthcare, education, employment, and other welfare needs of serving and retired Central Armed Police Forces personnel, the dependants of martyrs, and their families.
- CGHS Dispensaries/Wellness Centres in Every District
Steps should be taken to provide CGHS dispensaries or wellness centres in every district of Punjab to improve healthcare facilities for paramilitary personnel and their families. The state government should correspond with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, to facilitate the necessary arrangements. Special attention should be given to the need for such facilities in Mohali, Rupnagar (Ropar), and Fatehgarh Sahib.
- Appointment of a Dedicated Officer at the Tehsil Level
A dedicated officer should be appointed in every tehsil to address welfare-related issues of serving and retired CAPF personnel, as well as revenue matters such as land mutations, maps, land records, and other related documentation.
- Provision of Office Space for the Association
A room should be allotted in the office premises of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Deputy Commissioner in Mohali to facilitate the smooth functioning of the Association and enable it to address the grievances of former paramilitary personnel effectively.
The Association expressed hope that the Punjab Government would give positive consideration to these issues and take an early decision towards establishing a Paramilitary Welfare Board for the benefit of serving and retired personnel of the paramilitary forces and their families, in recognition of their significant contribution to national security.
H R Singh
President
Alliance of All Ex Para-Military Forces Welfare Association
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