SHIMLA-18^th June, 2025-Health and Sainik Welfare Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil said that approximately 14.5 percent of the population in the state comprises serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and their dependents. The state government was committed to safeguarding the interests of this section of the population. He was presiding over a review meeting of the Sainik Welfare Department here today.

Health Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was a land of valour and its brave sons have always had the highest representation in the armed forces. He said that soldiers from the state have displayed exemplary courage and selflessness while serving in challenging conditions on the borders to safeguard India’s sovereignty and integrity.

He said that vacant posts in the Sainik Welfare Department would be filled on priority by the state government. He directed officials to expedite the completion of various ongoing projects, including sainik rest houses, the training academy and war memorials under construction in Nurpur and Fatehpur. He said that the state government would provide all possible assistance and required funds to ensure the timely completion of these projects. He said that the state government would prioritize the work of war memorial and the statue of Major Somnath Sharma being built in Hamirpur district and would also ensure the upkeep of sainik rest houses.

The Minister further said that the state government would soon constitute the State Sainik Board and the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Fund Management Committee. Apart from this the Veteran Assistance Centres would be established at non-military stations in Una, Hamirpur, Mandi and Bilaspur districts.

Keeping in view the difficult terrain and low population density, the Minister said that the issue of opening additional CSD canteens and extension counters would be raised with the Central Government.

He said that between 15 January and 10 June this year, 118 ex-servicemen were provided employment in security services on outsourced basis. Forty-four trucks owned by ex-servicemen have been deployed in cement factories. Under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, financial assistance of about Rs. 8 lakh has been provided. A total of 4,103 ex-servicemen from Himachal have been employed in 144 projects across various states of the country. Apart from this recruitment of 73 security personnel at AIIMS Bilaspur is underway.

Director of the Sainik Welfare Department Brigadier Madansheel, Special Secretary Harbans Singh Brascon and other senior officers were present in the meeting.