Maharashtra on Tuesday approved a decision to set up integrated welfare centres for ex-servicemen in Pandharpur and Satara districts.
The approval came during the 50th annual meeting of the Special Fund Committee for the rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen, held at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.
The meeting was chaired by Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, who is also the ex-officio chairman of the committee.
The proposal aims to improve facilities for ex-servicemen and their families, especially in areas with high movement of pilgrims and tourists.
Welfare centres at Pandharpur and Satara
According to an official statement, the committee approved the proposal to establish integrated welfare centres in Pandharpur and Satara after examining feasibility reports.
Pandharpur sees a large number of devotees every year. The centre is expected to support ex-servicemen who visit the town for pilgrimage and religious gatherings, especially during the annual Wari.
The Governor directed that detailed proposals be prepared after assessing financial and technical requirements.
Focus on welfare and rehabilitation
The Special Fund Committee works to support:
– Financial assistance for ex-servicemen rehabilitation
– Institutional support for resettlement programmes
– Social, educational and healthcare needs of ex-servicemen and families
– Transparent use of welfare funds
Officials said the aim is to ensure better integration of ex-servicemen into society after retirement from service.
Multiple welfare decisions approved
Several other key decisions were also approved in the meeting, including:
– Hostels for defence children (boys and girls)
– Rest houses for ex-servicemen
– Maharashtra Sainik Halls and lawns
– Post-facto approval of salary revisions for non-government staff in the Directorate of Sainik Welfare
Approval of minimum wage revisions as per labour law
The committee also approved conversion of Military Boys Hostels at Khed in Ratnagiri district and Dhule into ex-servicemen rest houses.
The committee gave approval for installation of solar energy projects across various welfare facilities, including hostels, rest houses, and Sainik halls and lawns across the state.
Officials said this move will help reduce electricity costs and promote environmentally friendly operations.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma reviewed various commercial activities run under the committee and directed that ex-servicemen should be given priority in employment opportunities within these projects.
He also asked for a detailed review of income-generating welfare activities run by the committee.
Tourism, Mining and Ex-Servicemen Welfare Minister Shambhuraj Desai informed the meeting that land is available in Satara for the proposed welfare centre.
The Maharashtra Governor approved the idea and instructed that a detailed proposal covering financial and related aspects for both Satara and Pandharpur centres be submitted for further action.
