In a heartfelt meeting, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), engaged with officers who are set to retire on June 30, 2024, during the 133rd Retiring Officers’ Seminar (ROS).

General Pande commended the officers for their dedicated and selfless service to the nation and the Indian Army.

During the seminar, the COAS highlighted the significant contributions of the retiring officers and expressed his confidence that they will continue to serve as pillars of strength and inspiration in their future endeavors towards nation-building.

The seminar served as a platform to honor these officers for their years of commitment and valor.

General Pande’s message underscored the Indian Army’s appreciation for its veterans and its belief in their ongoing contribution to the country’s progress.

In a significant move to bolster the welfare measures for its serving personnel, the Indian Army has signed an addendum to its existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB). This enhancement will introduce several new benefits and increase existing ones, affirming their commitment to the well-being of the military staff and their families.

Under the revised MoU, personnel of the Indian Army will now be entitled to Personal Accident Insurance and coverage for Total or Partial Disability up to ₹1 Crore. This substantial increase aims to provide better financial security in the event of any mishaps during their service period.

Additionally, the addendum includes improved educational benefits for the children of the personnel. The Child Education cover has been significantly raised to ₹20 Lakh, ensuring better access to quality education. In a move to support the families further, the Girl Child Marriage cover has also been increased to ₹10 Lakh.

Moreover, the Air Accidental cover has been enhanced to ₹1.5 Crore. This considerable increment addresses the higher risks associated with air travel and operations, providing a more comprehensive safety net for the Army personnel.

These revised benefits under the MoU reflect the ongoing efforts of the Indian Army and Punjab National Bank to provide substantial support and reassurance to the armed forces’ community, acknowledging their invaluable service to the nation.

The Sapta Shakti Command of the Indian Army, led by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander of the South Western Command, inaugurated a new, cutting-edge Command Military Dental Centre today. This modern tertiary care facility is set to revolutionize dental and oral health services within the military community.

Equipped with the latest healthcare infrastructure and equipment, the facility not only serves as a hospital but also integrates a training centre for para dental staff. The comprehensive multispecialty dental and oral health hospital is designed to provide holistic care under one roof.

As the apex dental institution of the South Western Command, the centre offers a wide range of clinical specialties. These include preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency services, ensuring comprehensive oral health care for the military personnel and their families.

This initiative is a significant step forward in enhancing the health care services provided to armed forces personnel, aiming to deliver world-class dental care and training in the region.

In a poignant ceremony at the National War Memorial, Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh, the Army Commander of Southern Command, paid his respects to the fallen heroes of the Indian Army. As he prepares to retire on June 30, his tribute was marked by the laying of a wreath in a solemn ceremony, highlighting his profound respect and commitment to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Lt. Gen. Singh, who has been leading the Southern Command since November 1, 2022, has a distinguished military career. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned into the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles in December 1984. His extensive operational experience spans across diverse terrains — from counter-insurgency areas and the icy Siachen glacier to high-altitude regions and the desert sector.

Throughout his service, Lt. Gen. Singh has held several key command and staff positions. He commanded the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, an elite brigade in the Western Theatre, a frontline Counter Insurgency Force in the Kashmir Valley, and the Trishakti Corps in Northeast India. His instructional roles include serving as an Instructor at the Commando Wing in Belgaum and significant appointments at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) in New Delhi, such as Additional Director General of Military Operations and Director General (Operational Logistic & Strategic Movement).

For his exceptional service, Lt. Gen. Singh has been honored with multiple military decorations, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal. His act at the National War Memorial not only signifies a personal tribute but also underscores the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to honoring its heroes.

In a significant visit to the Command Hospital in Kolkata, Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, Director General of Medical Services (Army), emphasized the importance of dedicated patient care during his interactions with the troops on Thursday.

During his tour, Lt Gen Chatterjee highlighted the virtues of dedication, humility, and courtesy in patient treatment. He expressed his appreciation for the hospital staff’s commitment to these values and underscored their importance in medical services.

The General Officer also visited several key facilities, including the newly established Early Intervention Centre (EIC), various super-specialty centers, and the recently installed Digital Mammography Centre. He praised the ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing patient care and the integration of advanced technologies in treatment processes.

The Command Hospital’s recent upgrades and the addition of the Early Intervention Centre are part of a broader initiative to provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art healthcare services to both military personnel and civilians.

Lt Gen Chatterjee’s visit underscores the Army’s commitment to improving healthcare facilities and ensuring that medical services remain a top priority in the welfare of troops and their families.