A veteran rally and SPARSH outreach programme was organised at Boko in Assam’s Kamrup district, jointly by the Controller of Defence Accounts (CDA), Guwahati, Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Kamrup (M) and Boko Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Association, with the aim of addressing the welfare needs and pension-related grievances of Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris and their dependants.
The programme provided an important platform for more than 300 veterans and their families to interact directly with officials of CDA Guwahati and seek assistance on various issues concerning pension, SPARSH services, documentation, corrections in pension records, grievances and other service-related entitlements.
Officials from CDA Guwahati extended necessary guidance and assistance to veterans in resolving their pension-related issues and facilitating access to various welfare benefits.
Special attention was given to addressing difficulties faced by elderly veterans, widows and dependants in accessing SPARSH services.
The veteran rally also served as an opportunity to recognise and honour the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of our veterans, who dedicated the best years of their lives to the service of the nation.
Col Chiranjeet Konwer, ZSWO Kamrup (M) speaking on the occasion, said that this programme is not merely to provide information but also to address individual grievances, assist veterans in resolving pension-related issues, update records, facilitate digital services and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive their rightful entitlements without unnecessary hardship. Shri J S Buq, IDAS, Deputy Controller and Ms Aotula Ozukum, IDAS, Assistant Controller informed that SPARSH initiative to modernise and streamline the defence pension administration system.
The Boko ESM Association played an important role in coordinating the programme and mobilising the veteran community from Boko and adjoining areas.
The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of CDA Guwahati and the ESM Association towards ensuring the welfare, dignity and well-being of the veteran fraternity.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen the support system for ex-servicemen and their families, upholding the spirit of “Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier.”