Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation on the Cards: Karnataka DyCM
DyCM Shivakumar says proposal will be placed before cabinet; CM announces excise exemption for ex-servicemen canteens
The Karnataka government is considering the formation of a dedicated corporation for the welfare of ex-servicemen, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Tuesday. The proposal will be discussed in the upcoming cabinet meeting before a final decision is made, he said.
Speaking at the ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ function held at Bengaluru’s Town Hall to honour serving soldiers and martyr families, Shivakumar said, “A corporation for ex-servicemen will be established based on the suggestion by Congress party’s ex-servicemen wing president Mallikarjun. The state government will take adequate steps to ensure their welfare.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who was also present, announced a significant relief measure by exempting excise taxes on ex-servicemen canteens in the state.
“The services of soldiers, farmers, doctors, and teachers are as valuable as those of our parents,” Siddaramaiah said. “It’s not just the duty of soldiers to protect the nation — all 140 crore Indians share that responsibility.”
He further said that India has never hesitated in defending good and defeating evil, and the country will remain committed to that path.
The event saw the felicitation of families of decorated martyrs, including Ashok Chakra awardee Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Colonel Jojan Thomas, Shaurya Chakra awardees Major Ganesh Muddappa, Major M.C. Muthanna, Major Mohan Gangadharan, Captain M.V. Panjal, Major Shafiq Mohammad Khan, and Sena Medal awardee Colonel Ramamurthy.