The idea of a scheme on 'Assured Decent Last Rites to Ex-Servicemen’ occurred to the General Officer Commanding, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala & Goa Area, Maj Gen Anup S Jamwal during his interaction with large number of ex-servicemen in various rallies in the Southern states. It was felt that most of the ex-servicemen found themselves neglected in old age and apprehended that they would not be attended in their last journey. On April 13, on the of eve of Tamil New Year Day, the historic welfare scheme for ex-servicemen was launched at Vellore by Maj Gen Jamwal.

While addressing a mammoth rally of ex-servicemen, Maj Gen Jamwal announced the launch of a project named ‘Sahayog’. In an emotional speech, Maj Gen Janwal said, "I wish to announce a very special scheme, an assured decent last rites, a thought very close to my heart, for fellow-men who are out of uniform. In or out of uniform, we are one, we are one family". Ex-servicemen welcomed the announcement with a thundering ovation. "It is not only enough to look after our living veterans; they also need a befitting farewell when spirits take heavenly voyage," Maj Gen Jamwal added.

The aim of project Sahayog is to facilitate a decent last rites for every ex-serviceman. He has to simply register himself with his nearest CSD canteen for this scheme. Committees comprising retired officers/JCOs and NCOs have been constituted in canteens to take further care. On receiving intimation of death, the committee and the canteen management will ensure a decent funeral by extending monetary assistance, arranging for transport and organising the attendance of fellow serving/ex-servicemen in a befitting manner. Already 99 ex-servicemen have been honoured with decent last rites under this scheme.

Project Sahayog has been launched for all the districts of Tamil Nadu and part of Kerala. With effect from May 31, it covers most parts of atnkk and G area. With co-opting of NCC run CSD canteens, the remote areas of all states have been covered. The AG Branch of the Army HQs has been approached to do the needful in this regard through other Areas/Sub Areas and NCC directorates.