Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekar heard the grievances of ex-servicemen and their dependents for over two hours at a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, assuring prompt and sincere action on key issues.
Addressing the gathering, Somashekar stated that land would be prioritised for essential facilities such as a canteen, community hall, and hospital for ex-servicemen in the district. He added that land would be reserved for constructing community halls in Madikeri and Ponnampet.
He further announced that ex-servicemen would be invited to celebrations marking the birth anniversaries of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya.
To ensure regular redressal of grievances, the Deputy Commissioner directed Tahsildars to conduct ex-servicemen’s grievance meetings (adalats) at the taluk level every two months in the presence of the Sub-Divisional Officer.
On the issue of granting RTCs (Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops) to ex-servicemen cultivating land in paisari areas, he said the matter would be examined in accordance with rules. He also assured that the government would be urged to relax land allotment norms for ex-servicemen.
Somashekar emphasised that efforts would be made to resolve grievances systematically and fairly, including verification of land records. He also stated that the issue of providing sites and houses to homeless ex-servicemen would be taken up with the government.
He added that discussions would be held with relevant stakeholders to reserve land for ex-servicemen in private layout developments across the district. The Deputy Commissioner also stressed that ex-servicemen visiting government offices must be treated with dignity and respect.
Major General (Retd) B.A. Cariappa, President of the District Ex-Servicemen Association, highlighted the challenges faced by former soldiers who have served in difficult terrains such as Jammu and Kashmir. He appealed for basic facilities and requested allocation of at least 20 cents of land for hospitals, canteens, and community infrastructure.
Other speakers, including retired personnel and association members, raised concerns regarding housing, land rights, and lack of basic amenities. Several ex-servicemen pointed out that many families continue to live in rented houses and urged the administration to prioritise site allocation and housing schemes.
Over 50 applications were submitted during the meeting. Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya informed that a nationwide survey would be conducted, with self-enumeration until April 15, followed by house-to-house visits from April 16. Ex-servicemen were urged to actively participate in the process.
Officials from the Soldiers’ Welfare Department, Tahsildars, and ex-servicemen were present.
