GUMLA: Governor Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday inaugurated ‘Vanprasth Ashram’ set up in Manjhatoli by the Soldiers Welfare Board (SWB). It is the first old-age home for retired soldiers in eastern India.
Brigadier (Rtd.) B G Pathak, the director of SWB, said: “Two years ago, we had placed a proposal for this military home before the Governor through our state managing committee.
The idea of the home was mooted after witnessing the plight of former soldiers who are living in remote hamlets after their retirements.” The home will house 20 retired soldiers. They will be provided with food, medical care, newspapers and various sources of entertainment.
Speaking after the inauguration, Murmu said the home will also keep its doors open to the dependants of the ex-soldiers and the widows of martyred soldiers. “It is a matter of pride that many men from the state are in the defence forces to safeguard our nation’s borders. But once they retire, the issue of their rehabilitation is glossed over.
It is, therefore, our duty to provide them a good life in their post-retirement stage,” she said. Murmu also felicitated retired army personnel on the occasion.
The facility will operate out of a building that was built by the tourism department and will be run by a non-profit organisation. Lohardaga MP Sudarshan Bhagat was also present at the inauguration.