Defence Forces to See Boost in Morale if Veteran Honour is Seriously Handled: Retired General

New Delhi, January 15 - A retired Major General has emphasized the importance of honouring veterans to boost morale among the defence forces. Dhruv C.Katoch, a former officer who served in the Indian Army, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing the One Rank One Pension scheme.

Speaking about his views on veteran recognition, Katoch stated that any nation should acknowledge its armed forces personnel to maintain national integrity and prestige.

"The 15th of January is celebrated as Army Day, which commemorates the transfer of command from a British officer to an Indian officer in 1949. The Prime Minister's stance is meaningful...Earlier attempts were made during Mrs Gandhi's term, but it was under Modi-led government that this concept gained momentum," Katoch told ANI.

He noted that the One Rank One Pension scheme strengthened the armed forces by offering equal pension to all veterans across ranks. With its implementation in 2014 and a push from former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, the scheme aimed to ease the financial burden on armed personnel as they transition out of active service.

Katoch further argued that paying heed to veteran honour has profound implications for a nation's morale; an appreciation for veterans encourages soldiers currently serving in the military to do the best possible job defending their country.