Honourable Farewell to ESM

Jammu, February 6: To ensure that the last rites of ex-servicemen are performed with honour and dignity, the Indian Army is roping in the services of CSD canteens across the country.

Once the news of the demise of the ex-serviceman reaches the nearest CSD canteen, officials will make all arrangements for the last rites. A wreath will also be laid on the body on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff. All that the ex-servicemen have to do is register their wish for availing of the scheme with the local CSD canteen.

This scheme will benefit especially those who are abandoned by their near and dear ones. It will also be of use to ex-servicemen facing financial problems.

‘‘There is a provision for a fund in the proposal to perform the last rites. Usually, the expenditure for the last rites comes to Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000,’’ Adjutant General of the Indian Army Lt Gen Anup Singh Jamwal told The Indian Express.

‘‘Army canteens which earn lakhs of rupees as profit every year, can easily arrange for the last rites of ex-servicemen and their widows,’’ he added. Lt Gen Jamwal was in Jammu to attend the ex-servicemen’s rally held at Sunjawan Cantt.

Lt Gen Jamwal said those who want to avail of this scheme, will have to register themselves with their nearest CSD canteen. The scheme will be extended to widows of ex-servicemen as well, he added.

‘‘With children no longer preferring to stay with their parents, and relatives also deserting them, this scheme will ensure that the last rites of veteran soldiers are performed with full honour, which they deserve,’’ he said adding that the last rites will be performed according to the status of the ex-serviceman.

The Adjutant General said that CSD canteens have been selected to provide the service of ‘‘assured decent last rites’’ as they have a ready data base of ex-servicemen, their addresses and phone numbers.

Director, Sainik Welfare Department, Brig Karan Singh Kotwal (retd) said that there is another existing scheme under which the next of kin of ex-servicemen are provided a sum of Rs 3,000 for last rites through the nearest station headquarter.

‘‘This new scheme is good for the ex-servicemen living alone or facing financial problems,’’ Brig Kotwal said. ‘‘Now, they will have the assurance that after their demise, the Indian Army is there to arrange for their last rites with honour and dignity. The Army has already issued instructions to all the formations about the scheme,’’ he added.
Webpage Army plans honourable farewell for its ESM

Comment
Amazing that CSD India canteens have a ready data base of ESM with address and phone numbers. I wonder if thay have the complete data base of about 20 lakh ESM all over India. If they have the list it is truly a gold mine of information for the DGR Dte.
See post titled "All India ESM population" which gives a broad distribution pattern.