Retired General Condemns Himachal Government Over Unpaid Soldier Benefits
Lt Gen Baljit Singh Jaswal delivered a powerful critique of the Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday. The former Army commander of the Northern Command accused state officials of failing to provide rightful dues to soldiers, ex-servicemen, and war widows.
Soldiers Deserve Respect and Timely Payments
Speaking at an Army Day gathering in Hamirpur district, Lt Gen Jaswal emphasized the sacrifices made by military personnel. "A soldier does not ask for much," he stated firmly. "He needs nothing except respect. If he is given respect, that alone is enough for him."
The event marked the 78th Army Day celebration organized by the Ex-Servicemen League in Sujanpur. Distinguished attendees included Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and former chief minister Jairam Thakur.
War Widows Still Await Entitled Grants
Lt Gen Jaswal highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by bereaved families. He noted the presence of Veer Naris and families who recently lost loved ones at the gathering.
"I received calls from Dharamshala and Hamirpur," he revealed. "Even today they had not received the grant they are entitled to."
The retired general recalled similar payment delays from the previous year. He had written to the state government proposing penalties for negligent bureaucrats. His suggestion involved deducting money from their personal pay to compensate affected families.
Governor Urged to Ensure Timely Disbursement
As a third-generation Army officer from Kangra, Lt Gen Jaswal appealed directly to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla. He described the governor as the "Bhishma Pitamah of servicemen" and requested personal intervention.
Timely payment of dues would significantly boost soldiers' morale, he emphasized. The retired commander stressed that bureaucratic delays undermine the respect owed to military families.
Governor Recognizes Ex-Servicemen Contributions
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla acknowledged the vital role played by ex-servicemen in nation-building. He praised their discipline, leadership, and dedication both during service and after retirement.
"Annual Army Day programmes honor the Army, veterans, martyrs' families, and Veer Naris," the governor noted. "These events reinforce the nation's gratitude."
He highlighted central government welfare measures for soldiers and their families. A strong Army remains essential for a secure, confident, and resilient India, Governor Shukla affirmed.
Army Day Celebrations Across Shimla
The Army Training Command hosted the "Know Your Army Mela" at The Ridge in Shimla to commemorate Army Day. Ninety-one-year-old veteran Brigadier Harjeet Singh inaugurated the event.
Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, Chief of Staff at ARTRAC, joined military personnel, families, NCC cadets, and local schoolchildren for the celebration.
Army Day marks the historic 1949 moment when General KM Cariappa became India's first Indian Commander-in-Chief. He took command from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in India.
