Status of ex servicemen in India a socio legal study with special reference to the state of Punjab

Abstract

It is a matter of great concern that Government continues to heap injustice upon defence personnel. Mistreatment, ill-treatment, down-gradation, disrespect and making a mockery of pay and allowance and pension by 4 th , 5 th and 6 th pay commission have caused tremendous resentment amongst the defence fraternity. Even the health care of ex-soldier which is one of the conditions of service is much to be desired. After retirement resettlement and rehabilitation is there biggest problem, they seek a new profession that was second career for them. This second career is very important for them. Moreover, Army life is different from civil life. After retirement they faced different problems, which they never faced before retirement. No study has been done on the extent of this problem or its reasons. The situation however is very grim particularly for those who reside in rural Punjab. They have a lack of awareness about their rights, concession, Government policies and schemes available for them. Widow of ex-servicemen are the real sufferer because after the death of their husband they faced many problems to get family pension. There is, therefore, an urgent need to study the social factors that lead the ex-servicemen to live the problematic life. It is also to be examined whether any safeguards can be built in order to protect the ex-servicemen from being abused. newline