CHANDIGARH: A Civil Military Liaison Conference with state Government of Himachal Pradesh was held  Tuesday at Peterhoff Shimla. The meeting was inaugurated by  Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Top officials from the State Government and Headquarters Western Command participated in this one day annual conference. 

In his opening address  Lt Gen TK Sapru, GOC-in-C Western Command, thanked the Chief Mminister and the State Administration of Himachal Pradesh for hosting the conf at Shimla and for a very positive response on all the issues taken up with them during the previous conferences. He lauded the Chief Minister and the Govt of Himachal Pradesh, for taking keen interest in the welfare of the serving soldiers, ex – servicemen and next of kin of the martyrs. He said that Himachal Pradesh Govt has been in the forefront for the Welfare of the servicemen and their families and the entire nation is taking a cue from them. On his part Army Commander assured his civilian counterparts that the Army would always be there to assist the Civil administration in every possible way. 

The Army Commander expressed his utmost satisfaction at the close rapport that exists between the Himachal Pradesh  Govt and the Armed  Forces. He desired that this understanding and goodwill should be further strengthened. 

In his inaugural address  Prem Kumar Dhumal,  Chief  Minister of Himachal Pradesh, welcomed the Army Commander and other participants for the conference. He highlighted that this conference provides an opportunity to discuss and resolve issues of mutual interest. He lauded the role of the Armed Forces and stated that he was proud of the traditional bonds that exist between the Armed Forces, the people and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. He assured that his Government, the Administration and the people of Himachal Pradesh would never be found wanting in providing any possible assistance to the Armed Forces. 

Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister in his inaugural address stated that population wise, Himachal Pradesh has the honour of contributing largest numbers to the Armed Forces.  He said that the state has 1,20,590 serving soldiers, 1,01,553 ex-Servicemen, 1,046 war widows, 26,445 other widows and 3,04,659 other dependents of Ex-Servicemen and 3,61,770 families/dependents of serving soldiers.  He said that the people of the state stand committed to the welfare of both serving and retired soldiers and their families.  The Government of Himachal Pradesh has to its credit the continued efforts towards the welfare of these families on a long-term basis through agencies like Directorate of Sainik Welfare and Himachal Pradesh Ex-Servicemen Corporation.

The  Chief Minister declared that the state government has increased the old age pension of Ex-Servicemen and World War – II Veterans from Rs 200/- to 330/- PM and from Rs 200/- to Rs 500/- per month respectively.  He also declared that the government has also increased the distress grant paid out of R R Special Fund from Rs 1,000/- to 5,000/- on merit basis for those ex-servicemen who are living in penury.  The war Jagir has also been increased from Rs 900/- to Rs 2,000/- per annum with effect from 1st April 2009.

The conference witnessed a frank and fruitful exchange of views wherein most of the issues were resolved in a positive manner.