After MiD DAY highlighted their plight, senior state ministers have promised to take up their cause with the CM and request intervention

The plight of the neglected World War II veterans has been noticed by senior ministers in the state government after MiD DAY highlighted it on Republic Day ('Republic of Neglect', MiD DAY, January 26).

"I will appraise the chief minister on the issue. It is unfortunate that these war veterans are going through such difficulty.


Ex sepoy Balu Davlu Dhabhole with his wife in front of their house in Kolhapur. (R) MiD DAY published the story on Jan 26

I will do my best to ensure that the state government looks into the issue seriously and provides every possible assistance," said State Minister for Sainik Welfare, Bhaskar Jadhav.

State PWD and Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said, "It is unfortunate that these people have to go through such hardship.

It is not my department's concern but I will still speak to the concerned minister and request him to do the needful."

State Congress President Kripa Shankar Singh, too, expressed surprise at the veterans' plight and said he would request for government intervention.

"I am happy that this issue has been brought to my notice. I will personally discuss their plight with the chief minister and request government intervention," he said.

Officials of the State

Sainik Welfare Department Headquarters in Pune have also written a letter to the chief minister bringing to his notice that Maharashtra provides such veterans the least amount of financial aid (Rs 1,275), while Goa provides more than three times the amount (Rs 4,000).

Background

After fighting against Germany as part of the British Army during World War II, many of these officers also served in the Indian Army for a short period.

Post independence, most did not meet the recruitment criteria of the Indian Army and were either rejected or retired from service. They did not, therefore, qualify for inclusion in a pension scheme.

From October 1989, the state government gave these veterans Rs 10 a day, or Rs 300 a month. This was raised to a monthly amount of Rs 600 in 1999 and Rs 1,275 in 2004, which they get till date.