Shaleen Kabra reviews preparations for forthcoming Armed Forces Flag day

Jammu: Principal Secretary, Home, Shaleen Kabra today chaired a high level meeting to review the preparations for forthcoming Armed Forces Flag day celebrations and also other measures being taken for the welfare of forces, ex-servicemen and their dependents.The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Raghav Langer; Director, J&K Sanik Welfare Board, Brigadier Gurmeet Singh Shan; Joint Director, Information, Jammu, Namrita Dogra, representatives from GAD, School Education, I&C, Finance, Police, Urban Local Bodies were present in the meeting.Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, PK Pole, Director, Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir, Mathora Masoom and other officers participated in the meeting through video conferencing from Srinagar.Speaking during the meeting, the Principal Secretary insisted on the officers to come forward for this virtuous cause and show exemplary dedication in realizing the fresh targets of the fund. He impressed upon the officers of J&K Sainik Welfare Board to run a sustained campaign in collaboration with the Information department to create awareness among masses about the working and contribution of Board towards welfare of Ex-Servicemen, war widows and their dependents.

The Principal Secretary observed that targets are driving force for enhancing the performance of the departments and aspirational targets should be fixed for each of the department for collection of this fund.Kabra maintained that this contribution towards the fund is acknowledgement of the services rendered by the armed forces towards the nation. He highlighted that the soldiers ensure peace and tranquillity on our land which is pivotal for progress, development and economic well-being of our nation, adding that it must be our endeavour to reciprocate the same by contributing dedicatedly.The Principal Secretary emphasised on all the departments especially the police and other civil departments to contribute whole heartedly for this good cause and asked them to encourage others to do so.The Principal Secretary urged upon the Divisional Commissioners and Heads of other departments to refix targets for collection of Armed Forces Flag Day fund for the year 2021-22.He asked the officers that at least an amount of Rs 3.5 crore should be collected this year by the government departments including Police forces, Deputy Commissioners, Industries, Education, Municipalities, Chief Engineers of different departments and others.Kabra also directed the Welfare Board to participate in various socio-cultural events organised by the departments for inculcating a sense of nationalism among people especially the school children besides funds for welfare of forces should be collected in such congregations. He asked the School Education department to organise such kind of events in association with the board.

Both the Divisional Commissioners assured that they would distribute the target among the offices under their control and jurisdiction. They further conceded that the set targets would be met under every circumstances.Speaking during the meeting, Joint Director, Information, informed the meeting that several steps have already been taken by the department to create awareness about the upcoming Armed Forces Flag Day. She reiterated that the department is going to start a vigorous campaign on both social and mainstream media about the significance and organization of this day.Namrita Dogra also suggested for airing messages by soldiers, government officers and other dignitaries of the UT through various modes of media to motivate the audience. She also said that IEC campaign on every media platform would be launched in the coming days ahead of the Flag day so that there is enough awareness among people about this event.Director Sainik Welfare informed the meeting about the role and responsibilities of the board and its working towards the betterment of Ex-Servicemen and their dependents. He also gave an overview of previous collections made by the board.He further informed that IEC material regarding the event has already been distributed among the DCs and heads of departments for mass awareness of the general public.