Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel emphasised that service and respect must remain at the heart of all soldier welfare activities. He stated that the scope and execution of welfare programs for soldiers should reflect a spirit of honour and service. While addressing the 24th meeting of the Integrated Special Fund Management Committee at the Raj Bhavan, the Governor urged that all construction works for soldiers should be designed in line with the expectations and needs of ex-servicemen, with special attention to quality and timelines.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Home Shri J.N. Kansotiya, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor Shri K.C. Gupta, General Officer Commanding, Madhya Bharat Area, Lieutenant General P.S. Shekhawat, and General Officer Commanding, West Madhya Pradesh Sub Area, Major General Sumit Kabathiyal.
Governor Patel stressed that the design of buildings and infrastructure for soldier welfare should consider the needs of both users and visitors. He called for a prompt proposal to renovate the Sainik Vishram Grah (Soldier Rest House) in Bhopal, ensuring timely submission to the Central Government. He also instructed that a committee comprising the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, and Secretary (Finance) should evaluate proposals for the renovation of soldier rest houses in Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur.
The meeting was informed that the state government has increased the financial grant for parents of martyred soldiers. Now, the parents of martyrs will receive Rs 10,000 as assistance. Additionally, for parents of daughters serving in the Armed Forces, the annual honorarium has been doubled from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.