10 April,2011 07:40 AM IST | | Vinod Kumar Menon
After Mid Day reportage, Maharashtra government sanctions an increase in financial aide from Rs 1,275 to Rs 3,000 for veterans of World War II
Following MiD DAY's sustained reportage of the pathetic state of World War II veterans and their widows (MiD DAY broke the story with 'Republic Of Neglect' on January 26) across Maharashtra, the state government finally gave in. It made an announcement on Friday in the assembly to increase the financial aide for veterans from Rs 1,275 to Rs 3,000, with immediate affect.
The Mid Day story dated January 26, 2011
Sainik Welfare Minister for State Bhaskar Jadhav speaking to Sunday MiD DAY confirmed the move and said, "Those who took part in World War II, between 1939 to 1945, and were not serving the armed forces thereafter will be benefited. The state government earlier provided them Rs 10 a day to survive since October 1, 1989. It raised the sum from a monthly Rs 300 to Rs 600 on January 1, 1999 and then to Rs 1,275 on August 1, 2004 which has been continued till date."
The minister added, "I am thankful to MiD DAY for highlighting the plight of the World War II veterans. The finance ministry has sanctioned the additional fund for the purpose." Jadhav made the announcement in the assembly after answering questions raised by Members of the Legislative Councilu00a0-- Rajan Teli, Hemant Takale, Prakash Bhinsale, and Shubhash Chavan on World War II veterans.
Director at the State Col (Retd) Suhas Jatkar said, "As of now, 9,165 World War II veterans and their widows all over the state are registered with us. Most of them are above the age of 80 and are living in poor conditions, with no family or financial support. The state government provides a financial aide of Rs 1,275, which costs the exchequer approximately Rs 13.60 crore annually at present. With the revised sum of Rs 3,000 per month, the exchequer will have to bear Rs 31 crore."
"On behalf of the entire Sainik Welfare family, I would like to thank MiD DAY, the Sainik Welfare Minister and the Chief Minister for making necessary provisions for World War II veterans who are a diminishing number," said Jatkar. Shankarrao Nikam (92), a retired Colonel, who had participated in World War II, said, "Money is always welcome. The old veterans were in dire need of financial support and am happy that the government has agreed to support them." Major MD Tungar of Zilla Sainik Welfare Office, Kolhapur, said, "It is a long pending demand of war veterans from Maharashtra and it is a well appreciated move."
