Kathmandu, 19 August (H.S.): Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth on Wednesday reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to extending all possible support for the welfare, healthcare and other needs of former Indian servicemen and their families residing in Nepal.

Addressing a pension camp organised in Pokhara, General Seth said ex-servicemen are “living representatives” of India-Nepal relations and highlighted the invaluable contribution of Gorkha soldiers who have served in the Indian Army. He said the welfare and well-being of former servicemen remain a responsibility of the Indian Army.

“Whatever is possible for your interests, welfare and facilities, we will do with complete sincerity and dedication. Never consider yourselves alone; the Indian Army will always stand with you,” General Seth said.

He said efforts would be made to provide additional medical equipment and modernise the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinic in Pokhara.

General Seth also said the long-standing demand for a bus service between Sonauli and Gorakhpur was being seriously considered. He said the facility, if introduced, would make it easier for ex-servicemen and their families to access ECHS and other healthcare services.

The Army Chief said India’s ECHS scheme has been operational in Nepal since 2014, providing medical treatment to ex-servicemen and their families at hospitals in both Nepal and India. He said efforts were underway to increase the number of hospitals affiliated with the ECHS network.

Referring to the newly operational ECHS polyclinic in Kohalpur for ex-servicemen in western Nepal, General Seth expressed confidence that it would provide significant assistance to veterans and their families in the region.

He said vocational training programmes, including courses in computer skills, beauty and wellness, and fashion designing, were also being conducted for the families of ex-servicemen through various district soldier welfare boards. Following an agreement with Medhavi Skills University in Sikkim, certificates awarded under these training programmes have received recognition at the national and international levels.

Describing India-Nepal ties as centuries old, General Seth said the relationship between the two countries extends beyond that of neighbouring states and is rooted in shared culture, traditions, religious faith and history. He said the special bond between the Indian and Nepalese armies is also an important part of this shared heritage.

Praising the valour, courage, loyalty and sacrifices of Gorkha soldiers, he said they had demonstrated extraordinary bravery in every war and challenge they faced.

General Seth also outlined his five priorities for the Indian Army — vigilance and operational preparedness, innovation and transformation, jointness, self-reliance and the warrior. He said that from the youngest soldier serving in the Indian Army to its most senior veteran, everyone is a warrior in his eyes and that the Army takes immense pride in them.

Expressing his appreciation for the contributions of ex-servicemen, General Seth assured them of continued support for their welfare and facilities in the future as well. He concluded the programme by thanking the veterans and their families and raising the slogans, “Jai Hind, Jai Nepal, Jai Bhupu.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar