NCC promises help to ESM

Promises made on 10 December 2007.
VIJAYAWADA: Hundreds of ex-servicemen and their families have a long list of demands with regard to their welfare, property, house site, employment, basic amenities and other facilities.

Seeking to ensure a better deal to them, the NCC officials have mooted a plan to work in coordination with the district administration and the District Sainik Welfare Officer so that it would be easier to solve the problems of ex-servicemen.

NCC Kakinada Group Commander PV Mohan has said that efforts are on to conduct an ‘ex-servicemen Adalat’ soon to solve problems and grievances of the families of ex-servicemen. Col. Mohan has promised provision of as many services as possible through the NCC Unit Run Canteen in the city.

All steps were being taken to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and a coordinated effort would be made with District Collector and District Sainik Welfare Officer in this regard, he said. The families of all ex-servicemen were also involved in the NCC Day celebrations.

“Quite a number of grievances are coming to our notice. These relate to houses, lands and other property matters. Everything that is possible will be done to take care of ex-servicemen’s interests,” Col. Mohan told ex-servicemen. A large number of ex-servicemen were participating in all the programmes including the NCC Day celebrations held at Canteen Stores Department’s Unit Run Canteen every year. Officer-in-charge A.S. Rao and other officers were extended all support to them.

The canteen was established in the city in 1984 and there has been a steady growth in its functioning and reach. “Nearly 700 items are made available for you and even small items like brooms (sweepers) are there in the list,” Col Mohan pointed out.
NCC promises help to ex-servicemen

Comments: How many ESM, families and widows have been rendered help till now? Huge profits are made by NCC Group Canteens. Most sales are from the liquor category which unwittingly is sold in large quantities to civilians at a premium price. Ideally NCC canteens should not be selling liquor, to set an example to NCC cadets in schools and colleges. However the bitter truth is that the instructors seconded by Infantry Battalions, Naval units and Air Force are mostly die hard alcoholics. This not only sets a wrong trend but also misuse by alcoholics and staff by consuming and selling large quantum of liquor in the open market does not spell well for the Defence Forces at large. We need to exhibit the best traditions of service and example to the Youth of the Nation.