Chief of Staff Headquarter Western Command, Chandi Mandir, Chandigarh Lt. General P.K.Bali AVSM, VSM, called on Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur at Oak Over, here today.
Several issues of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting. Chief Minister said that the State was proud to have maximum number of soldiers in Indian Army in proportion to the population. He said that the State also has over one lakh ex-service men and the government has launched several schemes for their welfare. He felt the need to have a separated Himachal Battalion in the Indian Armed force keeping in view the services being rendered by the youth of the State in the Army.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government would also take up the matter for establishing a Territorial Army of the Himachali Youth. He said that the Army provided support and cooperation to the State Government at the time of natural calamity, particularly to rescue the stranded people in Lahaul valley and youths from Holi in Chamba district due to untimely snow.
Chief Minister urged the army to use SASE helipad for civil flights as well so that it could be used to facilitate the tourists visiting the area.
Lt. General P.K. Bali assured the Chief Minister that he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities for consideration. He said that the army would also provide all support of construction of War Memorial at Dharamshala.
Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Chief Secretary B.K. Agarwal, Secretary GAD Dr. R.N. Batta, Col. Jasbir Sandhu Western Command, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Amit Kashyap, Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister Vinay Singh were present on the occasion among others.
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