Chandigarh, December 31
During the year 2025, the Defence Services Welfare Department of Punjab remained fully committed to the welfare of families of martyred soldiers, ex-servicemen, widows and disabled soldiers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and as per the directions of Cabinet Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, several significant steps were taken to strengthen welfare measures for the defence community.
Sharing further details, Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat said that the Punjab Government has been discharging its responsibility towards the families of soldiers who laid down their lives for the defence of the nation with utmost sensitivity and respect.
He informed that during 2025, government jobs were provided to the next of kin of 10 martyred soldiers under the Honour and Gratitude Policy in various departments of the Punjab Government.
The Minister further stated that on the occasion of Kargil Day, family members of 65 soldiers martyred during Operation Vijay were honoured in recognition of their supreme sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation.
Mr. Bhagat said that the State Government disbursed ₹3.66 crore as ex-gratia grant to the families of martyred soldiers and disabled soldiers during the year.
He added that during the current financial year, a budget provision of ₹63.22 crore has been made under various schemes for the welfare of families of martyred soldiers, gallantry awardees and ex-servicemen.
The Minister said that pensions of ex-servicemen and widows are being disbursed in a transparent manner through the SPARSH portal. To resolve pension-related issues, 15-day assistance camps were organised at all District Defence Services Welfare Offices across Punjab.
In addition, Mr. Bhagat informed that the State Government distributed electric three-wheel scooters to 10 disabled soldiers to facilitate their mobility and improve their quality of life.
Reiterating the commitment of the State Government, the Minister said that Punjab Government remains fully dedicated to the welfare of martyrs’ families and ex-servicemen and more welfare-oriented initiatives will be introduced in the coming times.
