New Delhi: The Central Government has taken a significant decision in honor of the gallantry medal winners of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. According to a government order issued on Thursday, brave personnel awarded the Sena Medal, Nao Sena Medal, and Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry Category) will now be granted the facility of lifetime free travel on Indian Railways.
Who is Eligible for This Benefit?
Under this new scheme, not only the medal winners but also their spouses (widows or widowers) will be eligible for this benefit. If the medal winner was unmarried and was martyred, their parents will receive this facility. A notable feature is that beneficiaries will also be permitted to take a companion along with them. This travel facility will be valid in the Railways’ premium categories, such as First Class AC (1st AC), Second Class AC (2nd AC), and AC Chair Car.
New Employment Opportunities for Ex-Servicemen and Agniveers
Alongside honoring medal winners, the government has also taken concrete steps for the rehabilitation of retired soldiers and ‘Agniveers.’ Indian Railways and the Indian Army have signed a ‘Framework of Cooperation.’ Its primary objective is to provide better career options in civilian life to soldiers retiring from the Army.
The Railways has made special provisions for reservations for ex-servicemen in its recruitment policy:
In Level-1 (Group D) posts: 20% reservation.
In Level-2 and above posts: 10% reservation.
For Agniveers: A provision of 10% reservation in Level-1 and 5% in Level-2 posts has been made.
According to reports, a total of 14,768 posts have been reserved for ex-servicemen within the vacancies for the years 2024 and 2025.
Initiative for Immediate Recruitment on Contract Basis
To expedite the filling of vacant posts within the Railways, the Ministry has launched a new initiative. Until the regular recruitment process is completed, ex-servicemen are being appointed to the posts of ‘Pointsmen’ on a contractual basis. Currently, this process is underway for over 5,000 posts, and nine railway divisions have already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Army for this purpose.
**A Shared Contribution to Nation-Building**
This synergy between Indian Railways and the Army is not limited merely to employment opportunities. Strategic infrastructure projects—such as the ‘Dedicated Freight Corridor’ and the ‘Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link’—have further facilitated the movement of the Armed Forces. Furthermore, emphasis is also being placed on the skill development of soldiers through the ‘Gati Shakti University’.
