Mr. Antony said every year 50 to 60 thousand defence personnel either retired or are relieved from service. He also requested all Public sector undertakings to provide maximum job opportunities to them.
The minister informed a pilot project to employ ex-servicemen as tourist wardens is nearing completion in four states-Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Sikkim.
Mr. Antony said the establishment of an effective grievance redressal mechanism at the district level is crucial to address the problems of ex servicemen and their dependents. He said the defence ministry is in constant touch with Prime Minister’s office and ministry of finance to recruit ex-servicemen in the National Skill Development Initiative programme.