This was stated by Gurbinder Chahal, Principal Secretary, Department of Sainik Welfare, while talking to Chandigarh Newsline today. She was here to preside over the annual function of the Central Model School. She said that the scheme was prepared on the same line as had been for the Non-Resident Indians. The proposal had been accepted by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in December and the modalities had been worked out for finalising the scheme, which is likely to be formally approved by the government shortly.

Chahal said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, built at Ludhiana, was being given final touches and was expected to be inaugurated next month. There is a proposal to have a commentary to aid the visitors in better understanding of the exhibits.

She said that the armed forces had also come forth to set up their own memorials at this museum. One room in the museum would exclusively house the mementos and battle honours depicting 200-year history of the Punjab Regiment.

Chahal said the Sikh Regiment would also build a separate memorial in the museum complex. She said that artistes had been commissioned to paint the Battle of Ferozeshah besides the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

She said another plan to make Sainik Board rest houses financially viable ventures was on the anvil. A beginning in this regard had been made at Bathinda where the rest house also houses a training centre.

Sainik rest houses would be encouraged to give their premises on lease for marriage parties and other social functions, she said.