Madikeri: Army Chief General Dalbir Singh on Saturday announced the decision to set up hospitals for former servicemen in 10 states.   
Addressing a rally organised by the Karnataka and Kerala sub-area in Madikeri for the benefit of veterans and war widows in the region, he said 200-bed hospitals for army veterans will be established in 10 states, four of which have given their nod in the first phase.

He said that in wake of some empanelled private hospitals trying to fleece money while treating former servicemen, the plan of setting up these hospitals specifically for former servicemen and war widows is being contemplated. Measures will be taken to hand over skill certificates to ex-servicemen, Gen Singh said, adding that the certificates would help them get employment after retirement.

Elaborating on the initiatives being taken for the benefit of the ex-servicemen, the General said all efforts will be made to strengthen military canteens. The Centre has promised required monetary assistance for the one-rank, one-pension scheme, he added. He said old war tanks will be handed over to the General K?S?Thimmayya Museum and Sainik School in Kudige at Kushalnagar. The 40-acre land belonging to the Defence department at Galibeedu in Kodagu district will be used for military activities. The chief said an army recruitment rally will be held shortly.

Later, Gen Singh interacted with the cadets at Sainik School and asked them to join the National Defence Academy. He handed over a cheque of Rs 1 lakh to the principal Capt Ben H Berson. Terming it a blessed land, Gen Singh named several people from Kodagu, including late army chiefs Field Marshal K M Cariappa and General K S Thimmayya, who have served in the army. He paid homage at the Field Marshal Cariappa Memorial and visited Sunny Side, the former home of Gen Thimmayya. He said the people of Kodagu have proved their mettle in sports.

(with inputs from Deccan Herald)