Shimla May, 24: Governor Acharya Devvrat on Tuesday advocated for recruitment quota for Himachal residents in the armed forces. He said the quota for recruitment to armed forces should not be based on population but on basis of valor and spirit of the soldiers of this region. The ex-servicemen league of Himachal Pradesh had been demanding increase in number of Himachal youth in armed forces. They have been maintaining that quota in armed forces for Himachal was reduced after 1971 when it was made on the basis of population.
Serving in the armed forces was among the primary vocations in lower Himachal areas, especially Kangra district that has about 40,000 ex-servicemen. Even the first Param Vir Chakra awardee in independent India, Major Somnath Sharma was from Himachal Pradesh.The Governor was addressing ex-servicemen on the occasion of a state level function of Indian Ex-Servicemen League at Dharamsala today.
He said one-rank, one-pension awarded by the Union Government had raised the morale of soldiers of the country who have been defending the frontiers of the country in tough conditions. He said national level defence academy should also be opened in the state keeping in view significant contribution to armed forces from the state.
It will induce youth from the state to join forces as officers. He said Himachal Pradesh had been a land of brave soldiers and their bravery was witnessed many times in the wars fought on different frontiers of the nation. During the Kargil aggression, as many as, 52 brave soldiers from Himachal Pradesh lost their lives. Soldiers from the state have exhibited their commitment and dedication to the country at crucial times.
President, Indian Ex-Servicemen League Lt. General Balbir Singh, while welcoming the Governor, said that history was replete with incidents of bravery of soldiers from the state. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for fulfilling long-standing demand of one rank-one pension.
State President, Indian Ex-Servicemen League Major Vijay Singh Mankotia demanded that recruitment quota to armed forces should be enhanced from the state and the case of martyr Major Saurabh Kalia should also be raised at International Court of Justice. General Secretary of Ex-Servicemen League Lt Col YS Rana proposed the vote of thanks.
Source Tribune India
