Over 2,000 ex-servicemen turn up for rally in Tirupati

Tirupati: Ex-servicemen had an occasion for bonhomie and bonding with the veterans as they held a rally by the 1EME Centre under the aegis of Headquarters Dakshin Bharat Area of Indian Army at Tirupati on Sunday. It was held with an objective to interact with ex-servicemen and their family members to obtain feedback regarding their problems and monitor ongoing welfare activities. Over 2,000 ex-servicemen and their dependents took part in the rally who also discussed about redressal of pension and other service related grievances. General Officer Commanding (GOC) Dakshin Bharat Area, Lieutenant General S T Upasani graced the occasion and interacted with veterans. GOC Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA) Major General N Srinivas Rao and Commandant, 1 EME Centre Brigadier Sandeep Bhalla were also present. Veer Naaris were felicitated on the occasion.

The chief guest Lt Gen Upasani informed the participants about various welfare projects being conducted by Dakshin Bharat Area in Andhra Pradesh. He also said that all measures were being taken by the Indian Army to reach the ESM, Veer Naaris and veterans in each district to resolve their issues related to pension, documentation, medical and others. Major General N Srinivas Rao said that Indian Army always looks after its ex-servicemen and Veer Naaris. The General Officer also enlightened that these rallies were also utilised to keep the ESM abreast with the latest benefits, policies and regulations extended by the government from time to time.

A team of army doctors including medical and dental specialists and para medical staff of empaneled hospitals were present to extend medical care to the needy. Free medicines were distributed to the ex-servicemen and their dependents on the occasion. Stalls were also set up by various record offices of Indian Army for dealing with queries and grievances of ex-servicemen. Various banks dealing with special privileges for ex-servicemen also advertised their plans for the veterans. A special stall by Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Army Welfare Placement Organisation was also set up for the benefit of ECHS membership. The rally was not only aimed at addressing the problems of ex-servicemen and their dependents but also helped in motivating the youth of Tirupati and adjoining districts to join the armed forces.