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Lucknow: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 172nd Defence Pensioners' Adalat in Lucknow on November 23. The two-day Defence Pensioners' Adalat aims at redressal of pension-related grievances of veterans of the Armed Forces and their next-of-kin residing in all districts of Uttar Pradesh. It has been organised by Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj, in close coordination with headquarters Central Command, a press release from the Ministry of Defence said.
While addressing the function, Singh appreciated the good work by Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). He said disbursement of defence pension is a complex process involving many agencies and Defence Accounts Department is working tirelessly to provide pensions in a time-bound manner. He assured that the Defence Accounts Department will leave no stone unturned to deal with any challenges that come in the way.
Singh further added that the government fulfilled the long-standing demand of One Rank One Pension that has benefited lakhs of defence pensioners across the country. He lauded the role of the veterans in nation-building, terming them as a source of inspiration for generations. While noting that Lucknow was the birthplace of martyrs like Captain Manoj Pandey and Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, the minister said that the nation will always be indebted to their supreme sacrifice. This Defence Pensioners' Adalat is a small step in that direction, he said.
After the inaugural ceremony, Singh also met veterans and interacted with the functionaries occupying various stalls for the aid of veterans, Veer Naris and next-of-kin. Various Army and defence accounts officials, along with a huge number of veterans, were present on the occasion, the press release added.