Chandigarh, August 4:Deputy Commissioner-cum-President, Zila Sainik Board (ZSB), Chandigarh, Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, today chaired a meeting of the Zila Sainik Board to review ongoing welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen, serving defence personnel and their families, while recommending several new welfare measures for consideration by the Chandigarh Administration.
The meeting reviewed the progress made on decisions taken during the previous Board meeting. It was informed that the Chandigarh Administration has approved 20% horizontal reservation for Ex-Agniveers in direct recruitment to the posts of Constable (Executive & Wireless), Jail Warden and Forest Guard, creating enhanced employment opportunities for former Agniveers.
The Board also reviewed the renovation of the Sainik Rest House, Chandigarh, for which the Chandigarh Administration has sanctioned ₹2.07 crore. Renovation work began on 5 June 2026 and is expected to significantly improve accommodation and other facilities for serving and retired defence personnel visiting Chandigarh.
To further strengthen welfare support, the Board recommended several proposals to the Chandigarh Administration. These include a one-time financial assistance of ₹1 lakh from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund to the Next of Kin of defence personnel who die in harness and are declared "Physical Casualty (Fatal)" (excluding battle casualties), enhancement of cash awards for future recipients of Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards, a 30% increase in monthly allowances for Gallantry Award recipients sanctioned benefits before June 2009, and revision of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) scholarship from ₹33,000 to ₹50,000 per cadet per annum.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said these initiatives would further strengthen the support system for ex-servicemen and honour the invaluable contribution and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and their families. He expressed confidence that the Chandigarh Administration would give favourable consideration to the Board's recommendations for their early implementation.
The meeting was attended by Brig D.S. Dhillon (Retd.), Vice President, Zila Sainik Board; Col Shahzada Kohli, Col Veterans, HQ PH & HP (I) Sub Area; Lt Col R.K. Singh (Retd.); Shri K.K. Sharda, Non-Officio Member; and Col H.S. Ghuman (Retd.), Zila Sainik Welfare Officer-cum-Secretary.