Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, in an address during the AFFDF Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave organized by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence in New Delhi on November 29, 2023, called upon the corporate sector to generously contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). Singh emphasized the critical need to ensure the well-being of the courageous soldiers dedicated to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
Expressing deep gratitude towards retired and serving Armed Forces personnel for their unparalleled valor and sacrifices, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the collective responsibility of the nation to ensure the welfare of soldiers and their families. He acknowledged the soldiers’ dedicated service in challenging circumstances and their courageous approach in dealing with various challenges.
The Defence Minister highlighted the corporate sector’s role as wealth creators, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, prosperity, and security. He urged businesses, industries, and corporations to extend their created wealth or profits beyond their tax-paying obligations, especially towards the Armed Forces personnel. Stressing the importance of voluntary contributions over compulsory obligations, Singh noted that voluntary donations establish a unique emotional connection with soldiers compared to tax payments.
During the event, Shri Rajnath Singh recognized the significant CSR contributors to the AFFDF, including entities like State Bank of India, ICICI Bank Limited, Indus Towers Limited, General Insurance Corporation, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, ECGC Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation, Container Corporation of India Limited, and Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Limited.
The conclave was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Shri Vijoy Kumar Singh, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, and serving as well as retired Armed Forces personnel.
The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has taken several initiatives for the welfare of ex-servicemen. Recent enhancements include increased Medical Treatment Grants for veterans/dependents, raised Vocational Training Grants for Widows, and augmented grants for Serious Diseases, demonstrating the government’s continuous efforts toward soldier welfare.
In the Financial Year 2022-23, grants totaling approximately Rs. 250 crore were disbursed to over 99,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, institutional grants were allocated to various rehabilitation centers and War Memorial Hostels across the country, indicating the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting ex-servicemen.