BHADERWAH,MAR 08 (KNO) : To discuss the problems and demands of Ex-servicemen ,National Conference (NC) Ex Servicemen Cell Chairman Brig (Retd) K K Lakhanpal today visited Bhaderwah and chair a one-day convention, here in the premises of Dak Bunglow , Bhaderwah .
NC provincial Secretary Mohammad Shafi Sheikh was also present on the occasion.In the convention, various speakers expressed their concerns in connection of pending issues and problem faced by ex-army men.Several ex-servicemen briefing their demands and problems said that's the Government had approved establishment of housing colonies for the war widows, soldiers and ex-servicemen in the year 1999 with the direction to the Jammu Development Authority for acquiring land for the colonies.
Despite our best efforts, land acquisition is still lingering for the last 14 years and not single Marla of land acquired until date.Moreover, the speakers also stressed on the exemption of VAT on canteen stores in the state, soldiers have been agitating since the VAT levied on the canteen stores in 2002 while many states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh had exempted the VAT, whereas J&K is levying 13.5%.In his address, National Conference (NC) Ex Servicemen Cell Chairman Brig (Retd) K K Lakhanpal highlighted the issues like exemption of VAT on canteen stores in J&K, 15% reservation in Govt. Jobs, Granting arms licenses to the Ex- Servicemen, recruitment rallies at district level and many others which are pending and still unaddressed.
He urged the state as well central government to take serious steps towards genuine demands of the ex-servicemen including acquisition of land for housing colonies for war widows and soldiers and mobile CSD canteen .Sheikh Mohammad Shafi , Swami Chand , Fateh Ali Shah , Kotwal Dhan Raj , Abdul Majeed , Lal Chand and other were also present on the occasion . (KNO)