Guwahati, June 24 (IANS) The Indian Army on Wednesday organised an outreach programme for Veeranganas (war widows) and next of kin (NOKs) of soldiers categorised as physical casualties at Amingaon in Assam’s Kamrup district, officials said.

The programme was conducted under the aegis of Headquarters 51 Sub Area and organised by the 236 Inland Water Transport (IWT) Unit in collaboration with the Rajya Sainik Board, Assam, and the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) Records.

According to a statement issued by the Army, the initiative was aimed at addressing documentation-related issues and ensuring that beneficiaries receive their rightful financial entitlements and welfare benefits in a timely manner.

A total of 122 Veeranganas and NOKs from Kamrup (Rural), Nalbari and adjoining districts participated in the event.

During the programme, officials dealt with a wide range of welfare-related concerns, including pension-related matters, one-time grant claims, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) card issues, and matters concerning dependent children and specially abled family members.

Dedicated registration and grievance-redressal cells were established at the venue to facilitate the prompt resolution of issues raised by the beneficiaries.

To provide immediate assistance, the Assam Regimental Centre Records, Shillong, set up a Mini Records Office that enabled on-the-spot redressal of documentation- and service records-related issues.

Officials also carried out a comprehensive data-sheet registration process to verify entitlements and ensure that beneficiaries were fully aware of the welfare schemes and benefits available to them.

A major highlight of the programme was the one-to-one interaction sessions between Veeranganas, NOKs and senior military and welfare officials.

Representatives from Headquarters 51 Sub Area, the Family Welfare Organisation, the Rajya Sainik Board Assam and the Zila Sainik Welfare Office interacted directly with participants and addressed individual grievances.

A senior official said that the outreach programme reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to the welfare of Veeranganas and the families of soldiers by ensuring timely assistance, transparent grievance-redressal mechanisms, and enhanced awareness of the various welfare entitlements and support measures available to them.

–IANS

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