Department of Sainik Welfare Maharashtra

Pune district crosses Flag Day collection target for 2012

Pune district has crossed its target of collection of Armed Forces Flag Day Funds 2012, in June this year itself.

The Director of the Department of Sainik Welfare Colonel (Retd), Suhas Jatkar, told Sakal Times that the Pune district was given a target of raising funds of Rs 1.58 crore.

"The district, by June end this year collected Rs 1.79 crore, surpassing its target. Like Pune, there are two other districts in the State - Amravati and Buldhana - which have surpassed their targets by June end," he said.

Amravati was given a target of Rs 54 lakh and so far they have collected Rs 88.17 lakh, while Buldhana was asked to collect Rs 30 lakh and so far they have been successful in getting over Rs 37 lakh.

The State government has started an initiative Dhwaja Dina Nidhi (Flag Day), which is celebrated every year on December 7 to express solidarity towards ex-servicemen and their families.

The Flag Day funds are collected throughout the State from December 7 to November 30 of the following year, for the welfare of war widows and ex-servicemen. The funds collected are divided under two categories - 60 per cent is reserved for benevolent fund and, while 40 per cent is special fund.

Benevolent funds are used to giving grants for maintenance, medical treatment, daughter's marriage and educational assistance under various schemes. The Special Funds are used for construction, maintenance and running of the hostels, which are maintained and created by Department of Sainik Welfare.

"The target for the entire State has been set at Rs 21.60 crore and till June 30 the districts have been able to collect 12.32 crore," he said.