As per the information received from National Commission for Women (NCW) under the administrative control of Ministry of Women and Child Development, a study of war widows was undertaken by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Centre for Development Planning & Research (CDPR). Some measures were suggested about the functioning of the Sainik Welfare Boards at State and District level which are critical components in looking after the welfare of ex-servicemen, their families and widows of the martyrs. Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariat, an attached office under the administrative control of Deptartment of Ex-Servicemen (DESW), Ministry of Defence, the Nodal agency of the Government of India to look after the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families including martyrs, has intimated that they have not received any such Report.
There is no provision of professional counselling of the war widows / Next of Kin etc. in the Rajya / Zilla Sainik Boards. However, two officials from the Unit of the soldier killed in action, assist the family including liaison with the civil / other concerned authorities in having all the formalities completed for receipt of pensionary entitlements / other assistance from the Government. They guide the widow / family about the utilisation of the assistance received. Officials from the Rajya Sainik / Zilla Sainik Boards provide all the assistance as is required by the widows / dependents.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Dr. Vinay P Sahasrabuddhe in Rajya Sabha today.
DM/NAMPI/RAJDisclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
