Veterans Play Vital Role in Promoting Unity, Cooperation and Stability in Society: Governor Haribhau Bagde
Jaipur, October 2026: Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde on Sunday said that honouring and ensuring the welfare of ex-servicemen was an integral part of India’s traditions and culture. Highlighting the contribution of serving and retired personnel of the Indian Armed Forces in safeguarding the country’s security and sovereignty, he said veterans continued to contribute to national development through their discipline, experience and leadership skills, even after retirement.
He also emphasised that ex-servicemen played a significant role in promoting unity, cooperation and stability in society.
The Governor was addressing the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Jaipur District Ex-Servicemen League, organised by the District Ex-Servicemen Association, Jaipur.
Bagde said the Government of India had taken an important step towards recognising the rights of veterans by implementing the long-pending One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.
He added that Rajasthan had consistently taken steps to enhance the honour, security and pension benefits of ex-servicemen and veeranganas—war widows and women associated with fallen soldiers.
More than 13,000 ex-servicemen have been provided employment in Rajasthan through the Ex-Servicemen Corporation, he said.
The Governor also highlighted the initiative to establish legal assistance clinics at district Sainik Welfare Offices across the state to ensure timely and appropriate support for veterans and their dependent family members.
The state government has increased financial assistance for coaching for children of ex-servicemen from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. In addition, initiatives have been undertaken across Rajasthan to honour more than 14,000 veeranganas in recent times, he said.
Welfare of Soldiers’ Families Must Remain a Priority
Bagde said a soldier’s family was the greatest source of strength while the soldier was serving and fighting to protect the country’s borders. Therefore, the welfare of soldiers’ dependants and family members must remain a top priority.
Describing ex-servicemen as a national asset, he said they brought decades of experience, leadership, discipline and strategic thinking to society. Their continued participation in social activities strengthened the nation as a whole.
The Governor urged veterans to guide young people and help address social challenges, including drug abuse.
“Once a soldier, always a soldier,” he said, underlining that the spirit of service continued even after retirement.
Digital Initiatives to Support Ex-Servicemen
The Governor highlighted several initiatives of the Government of India aimed at improving services for veterans, including smart canteen cards, ex-servicemen identity cards, online access to Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) services and the SPARSH portal for pension management.
He stressed the importance of collective efforts by the government and society to address the needs of ex-servicemen and ensure their welfare.
Earlier, Bagde felicitated individuals who had made outstanding contributions through the ex-servicemen’s organisation during the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
