Pokhara, Nov 4: Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has said that India would move ahead together in Nepal’s journey of development and peace.
Addressing the Nepali ex-Indian army personnel here on Friday, President Mukherjee expressed the view that Nepal-India relations should be further consolidated in the days ahead. He said that he was very happy to meet the former Gurkha army personnel in a beautiful city, Pokhara.
Expressing sorrow on behalf of the people of India and his own over the huge loss of lives and property in Nepal due to earthquake in Nepal last year, he said that Rs 32,000 was distributed to each pensioner for the support of quake-affected 6,832 former Indian army personnel. The Indian government is fully committed to support the Government of Nepal in the post-quake reconstruction work.
The Indian President recalled that Gurkha army personnel have been serving with bravery and devotion for the past 200 years. He mentioned that there are now 32,000 Gurkha army personnel in India with some 126,000 Nepali ex Indian army and their dependent families.
Saying that ex-Gurkha army did their job with determination and courage for safeguarding the Indian frontiers, he noted that the Gurkha army was the major foundation of Nepal-India friendship.
“Our courageous retired armies of both the countries have contributed a lot to security and development. We on behalf of Indian government are launching a welfare plan for you (former Indian and Indian Gurkha armies),” he said.
He said a pension of approximately Rs 3100 crores was being distributed to former Indian Gurkha Army every year and there is a plan to increase pension amounts (by up to Rs 4000 crores) for the same purpose this fiscal year.
President Mukherjee further noted around INR 10 million was distributed last year to execute the Ex-servicemen Contribution Health Plan in Nepal for Ex-Gurkhas to keep their health well.
As supreme commander of the Indian Army, he informed that the welfare plan remains in effect in Nepal as well for the ex-servicemen. The visiting dignitary shared that the Indian Army will also be entitled to receive 2.57 times of basic pension as per the ‘One Rank One pension’ programme.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae said it was a matter of pride for everyone to have the Indian President to address a gathering of Ex-Gurkhas in Pokhara city. RSS
