NEW DELHI: In a move that will benefit the families of serving and retired servicemen, the Delhi government on Thursday gave its nod to set up four Zila Sainik Boards in the national capital.
The proposal was introduced by Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The new Zila Sainik Boards will be set up in South West Delhi, East Delhi, North West Delhi and Central Delhi under the Rajya Sainik Board, the government said.
The Delhi government is authorised to constitute the Zila Sainik Board in districts where the number of retired soldiers exceeds 7,500. It will give approximately Rs 4 crore to each of the boards per year and will depute 11 officers including secretary, assistant secretary, and head clerk.
“The Delhi government will bear 40 per cent of the total expenditure on the newly-formed Sainik Boards,” as per a statement.
Zila Sainik Boards will be looking after the welfare, employment, rehabilitation, education, and other beneficial schemes to serving soldiers of the country’s armed forces, their families, retired soldiers, martyr widows, and their dependents.
They will also be responsible for monitoring welfare of the families of retired soldiers and assisting them in representing their cases with local administration or defence authorities, resolving employment and other issues, assisting in resolving pension issues and land disputes, providing assistance in family care, medical, and court related matters, the government said.
The government will also provide approximately Rs 25 lakh to each Zila Sainik Boards to purchase a computer, chairs, office table, and other necessary equipment.
“The problems that retired soldiers have faced in recent years have steadily increased. Some of these have been linked to systemic socioeconomic changes, the breakdown of joint families, stiff competition in the job market, an increase in the cost of living, and the provision of medicines and educational facilities,” the government stated.
With establishment of Zila Sainik Boards, the Kejriwal government will be able to meet the needs of these personnel more efficiently and effectively.