The Armed Forces Covenant Bill, 2011, will be introduced during the on-going winter session of Parliament to boost employment opportunities for our Armed Forces veterans.
The bill to be introduced by the Rajya Sabha MP, Rajeev Chandrashekar, comes in the backdrop of the US Senate recently passing a bill to help reduce veterans’ unemployment and grant tax incentives to companies who agree to hire them.
“The government should seriously consider passing a legislation similar to the US to boost employment opportunities for our Armed Forces veterans, “said Chandrashekar.
Recently, the US Senate had passed a bill through a unanimous vote. It will shortly be signed into law by President Barack Obama.
The provisions of the bill also include providing specialised job training and counselling to veterans leaving the service.
Chandrashekar has also written to defence minister AK Antony asking the government to seriously consider supporting the bill with suitable amendments.
In the letter to Antony, he had stated that as large number of the Armed Forces personnel is retired or released every year.
At a young age, they are required to take up a second occupation owing to their family and social responsibilities.
“The government must seriously consider passing a US-like legislation to boost employment opportunities for our Armed Forces veterans. Supporting these proud men and their families, who have served the country with dignity and distinction, is our duty. Such a legislation will go a long way in assuring them that the nation truly values their sacrifices and services, and they don’t have to fight for employment opportunities when they retire and return home,” the letter stated.
