Creation of CDS post good for ex-servicemen’s welfare: Rajnath
   Date :15-Jan-2020

Creation of CDS post good
 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with the ex-servicemen and serving personnel at a programme marking Armed Forces Veterans’ Day at South Western Command in Jaipur. (PTI)
 
JAIPUR :
 
DEFENCE Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said military veterans had inspired the Government to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff, predicting that it will also help in the welfare of ex-servicemen. He said that the veterans had asked for the creation of the post.
 
“The veterans are the ones who provided inspiration for this,” he said at an event here to mark the day when the Armed Forces honour ex-servicemen. The Veterans Day event was also attended by the first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat. Rajnath Singh said Army veterans had contributed to nation-building in a big way. “Your welfare is a priority for our Government,” he said, adding that the creation of the new post will help achieve this.
 
“When I was Home Minister, I did for them whatever I could,” he said, in an apparent reference to those who retire from paramilitary forces. He added that he was keen on doing something for the defence forces now. Addressing ex-servicemen from all three forces, the Minister said the Government had fulfilled the long-pending demand for one rank, one pension. Singh praised the defence forces for shouldering the responsibility of keeping countrymen secure.