Port Blair, Nov 30: The Naval Component of the Andaman and Nicobar Command organized Ex-Servicemen Mela at Dweepika Auditorium, (HADDO) on Saturday as part of Navy Week. The event was held to address the grievances and other issues raised by Armed Forces Veterans living in the Islands. A large number of Ex-Servicemen belonging to Army, Navy and Air Force, their families and widows attended the function. Commodore Deepak Kumar, Naval Component Commander was the chief guest on the occasion.
In his address, the chief guest assured the Ex-Servicemen of the commitment of Government of India and each Service towards their welfare, which was being ensured by Zila Rajya Sainik Board at Government level and through Regimental centres/Unit by Army, Naval Regimental System by Navy and Air Veterans by Air Force. He apprised the Ex-Servicemen of various welfare measures instituted by the Lt Governor in the XIV Rajya Sainik meeting, welfare initiatives of the government and each service in matters of Pension, Health and Canteen facilities. He exhorted the Veterans to encourage youth of the Islands to join Armed Forces and serve the Nation. Subsequently, he also interacted with Veterans and widows individually to address their grievances and suggestions.
During the ESM Mela, checking for life style diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity was also facilitated. The ESMs and Widows made use of the ESM Mela towards resolving their grievances and in learning about various welfare and saving schemes from Secretary Rajya Sainik Board, Officer in-Charge ECHS polyclinic and from representatives of Army, Navy and Air Force.
