Armed Forces Flag Day observed at Kupwara

Kupwara : Zila Sainik Welfare Office Kupwara Tuesday organized a series of events to commemorate the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD).
On the occasion, a rally was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Imam Din who is also President Zila Sainik Welfare Office Kupwara from D.C. Office here Tuesday.
The Ex. Servicemen participated in the rally with placards in their hands depicting Covid-19 preventive measures. The rally went through different markets of Kupwara town and culminated at Sub District Hospital Kupwara where 10 of Ex. Servicemen including spouses of Ex. Servicemen donated blood pints.
The DC while flagging off the rally said that Ex. Servicemen are an important segment of our society and they are always on forefront to support the society as and when required, besides, guarding the borders.
He appreciated the role of ex-servicemen in highlighting the importance of Covid protocol during the second wave COVID-19. He said Tuesday when the 3rd wave of Covid (Omicron) was spreading; the ex-servicemen arranged an awareness rally on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day. He said this rally also aims to spread awareness regarding implementation of Covid-19 containment measures.
Later, Zila Sainik Welfare Board (ZSWB) met under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara who is also Chairman of the Board here at Zila Sainik Welfare Office Kupwara.
All designated members of the Board were present in the meeting.
The meeting, first of its kind in the district, held a threadbare discussion about the implementation of the constitution of the Board and welfare measures for ex-servicemen.
The DC gave overview of the duties and mandate of the Board and gave on spot instructions to the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer to further augment the measures for welfare of the ex-servicemen and their dependents.
The Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Javaid Ahmad Zarger briefed the meeting about achievements of the Zila Sainik Welfare Office from November 15, 2018 till date and informed that various welfare measures have been taken including distribution of penury grant of Rs.12.48 lakh among 26 cases, daughter marriage grant of Rs.11.50 lakh at the rate of Rs.50,000 per daughter, relief & rehabilitation grant of Rs.3.80 lakh among 9 ex-Jak Militia, Honorarium of Rs.2.52 lakh among 3 WW-II widows.
It was also informed that PM Scholarship of Rs.90,000 among 3 cases, awards of Rs.6.48 lakh among 18 awardees, education grant to children of battle casualties of Rs.21000 among 7 beneficiaries and assured decent last rites of Rs.1 lakh to 10 NoKs.
The meeting was further informed that 1201 ex-servicemen/ widows/ dependent identity cards have been issued. 52 Defense Personnel Certificates have been issued to children of ex-servicemen; of which 6 got selected in NEET examination. 461 ex-servicemen certificates have been issued. Besides, information about other activities and achievements were also given in the meeting.
During the discourse of the meeting, the Board members gave their suggestion for further welfare of Ex-servicemen.
Meanwhile, information brochures regarding Zila Sainik Welfare Offices across India were distributed among the participants.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner distributed blankets among 20 war widows and dependents of the ex-servicemen.
The members of the Board including SSP Kupwara, Yougal Manhas; ACR Kupwara, Jowhar Ali; CMO, DIO, representatives of various departments, Ex-honorary Captains representing Tangdar, Lolab, Hyhama, Kralpora and Kupwara attended the meeting.