District-Level ‘Sainik Darbar’ to Be Organized to Resolve Ex-Servicemen’s Grievances

@ Government Adopts Sensitive Approach Toward Issues of Ex-Servicemen

Mumbai: Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to addressing the grievances of ex-servicemen, families of martyred soldiers, and revered mothers of fallen heroes (Veermatas), Ex-Servicemen Welfare Minister Shambhuraj Desai has directed officials to effectively organize ‘Sainik Darbars’ across all districts to ensure prompt resolution of their issues.

The directives were issued during a review meeting held at Mantralaya by the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Department to evaluate pending demands raised by various ex-servicemen associations across the state. The meeting was attended by former MP Brigadier Sudhir Sawant, Additional Chief Secretary Santosh Kumar, Deputy Secretary Ganesh Pawar, Sainik Welfare Director Deepak Thonge, SPI Director Makarand Deshmukh, alongside office bearers of various ex-servicemen organizations and senior officials.

Minister Desai emphasized that holding regular Sainik Darbars at the district level would accelerate the local resolution of ex-servicemen’s grievances. Stating that the government maintains a constructive approach toward their legitimate demands, he instructed inter-departmental coordination to ensure swift decisions.

Key proposals reviewed included relaxing the mandatory requirement of having three ex-servicemen widows in women’s self-help groups (SHGs), releasing financial assistance to SHGs in two installments, and recognizing military qualifications for positions such as Shikshan Sevak, Arogya Sevak, Krushi Sevak, and Civil Engineering Assistant. Minister Desai instructed relevant departments to submit formal proposals to amend service rules accordingly.

The meeting also focused on expediting administrative decisions regarding pay hikes in the Ex-Servicemen Corporation, service benefits for security guards, resolving salary disparities among officers, and extending the duration of contractual appointments.

Additionally, Minister Desai issued instructions to relevant authorities to act promptly within existing frameworks on several key demands. These include special recruitment drives for ex-servicemen, appointments in the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), construction of a rest house in Navi Mumbai, setup of district-level facilitation centers, representation for ex-servicemen on various committees, toll exemptions, and compassionate appointments for families of fallen soldiers.

Detailed deliberations covered re-employment, reservations, education, employment, housing, pay increments, and various welfare schemes. Minister Desai reiterated that the government will prioritize streamlining administrative processes to compassionately address and resolve the genuine concerns of ex-servicemen.