Chandigarh, June 11, 2025 – A meeting of the Zila Sainik Board(ZSB), Chandigarh, was convened today under the chairmanship of Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner-cum-President, Zila Sainik Board (ZSB), Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Brig BS Dhillon (Retd), Vice President ZSB; Lt. Col Sanjeev Sharma representative of Station HQ Chandigarh; Lt Col RK Singh (Retd); Shri KK Sharda (Social Worker); and Col HS Ghuman (Retd), Zila Sainik Welfare Officer.

The Board deliberated on key issues pertaining to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. After thorough discussions, the Board has forwarded the following proposals to the Chandigarh Administration for kind consideration and get seeking necessary approval:

1. Recommended to enhance the amount of Ex-Gratia Compensation:

It was proposed to increase the rate of Ex-Gratia compensation from the existing ₹ 50 lakh to ₹ 1 crore for the families of soldiers of the Defence Armed Forces and Para Military Forces who are martyred in action.

2. Recommended to have Reservation for Agniveers in Government Recruitment:

A recommendation was made for an additional 10% reservation for Agniveer candidates in all direct recruitment for Group 'B' and Group 'C' posts under the Chandigarh Administration, recognizing their service and commitment to national security.

3. Recommended to introduce a new Financial Assistance scheme for Physical Casualties (Fatal):

The Board also proposed the introduction of a new scheme to provide a one-time financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to the Next of Kin (NoK) of Defence Personnel who lose their lives in harness and are declared as “Physical Casualty (Fatal)” other than those occurring in battle.

4. Renovation of Sanik Rest House Building- Sector 21, Chandigarh:

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the urgent need to renovate the Sainik Rest House and instructed the officials of the Zila Sainik Board to coordinate with the Chief Engineer, UT Chandigarh, to expedite the process of floating the tender and initiate the renovation work as per the approved plan.

These proposals are aimed at reinforcing the Government's unwavering support and recognition of the selfless sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel and their families. The Board expressed hope that the Chandigarh Administration would take early action for the implementation of these recommendations.