Hans News Service Jammu

TheNorthern Command of the Indian Army hosted a veterans’ conclave bringing together key stakeholders from various wings of central government and formations across the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to strengthen welfare and rehabilitation measures for veterans, officials said.

The conclave involving stakeholders from the department of ex-servicemen welfare, Ministry of Defence, adjutant general’s branch of the Army headquarters, the Jammu and Kashmir government and formations across UTs of J&K and Ladakh, focused on contemporary challenges faced by veterans, Veer Naris and dependents, with deliberations covering healthcare delivery, outreach and awareness, skill development and institutional support, they said.

The participants in two days conclave on August 19 to 20 also discussed measures to enhance coordination among various departments and streamline administrative procedures to ensure more efficient delivery of welfare schemes and services to the veteran community.

Addressing the stakeholders, Army Commander, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, called for a collaborative approach involving all concerned agencies at every level to ensure the well-being of the veteran fraternity.

Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, Sukriti Likhi, who attended the conclave virtually, reiterated the government’s commitment towards the welfare of veterans across J&K and Ladakh.