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A mass SPARSH Outreach Program was organised at the Vellore Institute of Technology premises for the benefit of Defence Pensioners and Family Pensioners of Vellore region.
It was organised by the Controller of Defence Accounts (CDA), Chennai in association with the Headquarters Dakshin Bharat Area of Indian Army, Chennai and the Vellore District Ex servicemen Welfare Board.
Governor of Tamil Nadu Mr RN Ravi was the Chief Guest and Lt Gen Karanbir Singh Brar, AVSM, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area was the Guest of Honour. Special Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr.Mayank Sharma, IDAS and the Indian Coast Guard Deputy Inspector General Dinakaran attended the function.
More than 2100 Defence Pensioners and Family Pensioners participated in the outreach program, whose grievances were taken up for speedy resolution. Cheques worth over Rs One Crore as arrears were disbursed at the camp.
Governor Mr R.N.Ravi spoke about the contribution of Vellore district in Indian freedom struggle and called the District as a Veer Bhumi. He highlighted the role of Indian Armed Forces in National Development and in rendering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
General Officer Commanding Headquarters Dakshin Bharat Area of Indian Army, Lt General Karanbir Singh Brar AVSM spoke about the welfare measures of the Government for the Ex Servicemen and the various opportunities that are being made available for them.
Special CGDA Dr.Mayank Sharma, IDAS highlighted the inclusive and transparent nature of the SPARSH outreach programmes and the recent improvements that are currently being undertaken in SPARSH.
One of the highlights of the program was the honoring of Chakra awardees and Veer Naris in recognition of their Valor and Sacrifice.
Stalls were installed at the camp for Life Certificate Identification, Aadhar updation, One Rank One Pension (OROP) Grievances Resolution, SPARSH information and grievances Redressal, banking facility etc.