Modi peeved by 'indifference' to ex-servicemen, orders authorities to act fast

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday voiced serious concern at the perceived “atmosphere of indifference” with regard to ex-servicemen’s issues such as delay in pension and directed the authorities to pay more attention to their resolution at the earliest. [caption id=“attachment_2265898” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AFP[/caption] The issue came up during a meeting of PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation – chaired by Modi. While reviewing implementation of key issues pertaining to ex-servicemen, Modi expressed serious concern at the perceived “atmosphere of indifference” with regard to issues pertaining to ex-servicemen such as delay in pension and retirement benefits and directed the concerned authorities to pay more attention to their resolution at the earliest, a PMO statement said. He also reviewed the implementation of the Prime Minister’s special scholarship scheme for students of Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that PRAGATI was speeding up decision-making processes in vital projects and important areas of governance. He also said that the spirit of problem-solving and swift implementation, which is being generated through the PRAGATI interactions, is gradually spreading to all areas of governance. Reviewing the quality of service under CGHS (Central Government Health Service), he gave clear directions to the concerned departments to resolve pending issues and grievances at the earliest. Modi also reviewed the progress of key infrastructure and related projects in various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Uttarakhand. Projects were reviewed in the sectors of road and rail connectivity, bridges, power transmission lines, coal, atomic energy, and industrial infrastructure. “In the course of these reviews, the Prime Minister repeatedly stressed how improved coordination between the Centre and states could help avoid delays and cost overruns in projects,” the statement said. PTI