The Quarterly Meet of Udaipur Ex-Service Men League (UMESL) was held on Sunday, September 01, 2024 on the lawns of District Soldiers Board, Madhuban. The meet was presided over by Brigadier CP Joshi (Retd) and current relevant issues were discussed.

Havaldar Bhopal Singh, Treasurer of UMESL presented the accounts, which were approved by the members. Ex-Sergeant Shakti Singh  IAF) raised the point of difficulty in the SPARSH scheme and inability of the software to correct the anomalies in the personal records of the pensioners. He said that while he had registerd himself as Married, the SPARSH record was showing him as UNMARRIED . He was worried about his surving wife not getting the benefits in case of eventuality. It was decided to take up the case by UMESL on his behalf with concerned PCDA (P) and IAF authorities.

Brigadier Joshi explained in detail about the rumour and confusion on the Rs 15 Lakh ONE TIME SAMMAN NIDHI to all 1965 and 1971 War Veterans / Surving widows. He explained to those present, that it was basically a proposal under consideration by Ministry of Defenceand only applicable to 125 Short Service Commission (SSC) and  Emergency Commission (EC) Officers who were Decommissioned after 1965/1971 with gratuity but NO PENSION. Brig Joshi also corrected that the format in circulation on Social Media regarding applicability to ALL RANKS of 1965/ 71 wars is wrong and is MISLEADING.

It was reiterated that NO ACTION is required at present by Ex-Service Men or Dependents who are already in receipt of any regular pension. Those who were released WITHOUT PENSION due to any reason may be asked directly by their records offices , if any ONE TIME SAMMAN NIDHI is if at all approved by the Govt of India. The meeting was closed after a vote of thanks .