After Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra is the second state in the country to form a corporation for the welfare of ex-servicemen.

Speaking on the Kargil Vijay Divas organised by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Maharashtra, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced the formation of corporation for the ex-servicemen of Maharashtra state. Mr Deshmukh also presented ‘Tamra Patra’ (Scroll of Honour) and financial assistance to the widows, dependents and disabled soldiers of Kargil operations. He gave away Rs 5 lakh each to 22 dependants of those killed in Kargil conflict and Rs 2 lakh each to five disabled soldiers. Mr Chhagan Bhujbal, Deputy Chief Minister said that setting up of the Sainik Corporation would enable the bereaved families to avail loan facilities for self-employment and solve various other financial problems.

The Director of Sainik Welfare Department, Col Bhagatsing Deshmukh informed that over 60,000 officers and jawans retire from three Services all over the country every year.

While outlining the work done by Sainik Welfare Department, Col Deshmukh said that ex-servicemen and widows above the age of 65 years without any means of livelihood were provided financial assistance upto Rs 500 per month. The department also renders financial assistance for medical treatment. Hostel facilities and financial assistance are also provided for the children of ex-servicemen. It runs 34 hostels out of which eight are exclusively for girls.

Others present on the occasion included Vice Admiral Vinod Pasricha, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Maj Gen V S Yadav, General Officer Commanding, Maharashtra and Gujarat Area and Air Vice Marshal H S Ahluwalia, Air Officer Commanding, Maritimes Air Operations.