Job fair for ex-servicemen a success

The job fair held for ex-servicemen at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here on Sunday attracted close to 1,500 ex-servicemen and 65 private and corporate companies.

With the first of its kind initiative in the State to rehabilitate retired soldiers, the Karnataka and Kerala (K&K) Sub Area is beaming with confidence and is looking forward to host more such events.

Major General K S Venugopal, General Officer Commanding, (GOC), K&K Sub Area, said it was important for a soldier, who retires at a very young age, to get early rehabilitation.

And the Army is doing everything to ensure that the retired soldiers find an alternative avenue for livelihood while continuing to enjoy the benefits from the Army.

“The K&K Sub Area ex-servicemen helpline website will be launched very shortly. We have invited the industry to post their requirements on the website,” Venugopal said.

He also urged industrial associations located in the towns and villages of the State to come forward with their offer of jobs for the ex-servicemen based in remote areas.

“This fair is a small step and a beginning. We will have similar job fairs in Karnataka and Kerala every six months alongside ex-servicemen rallies with an aim to provide jobs in small towns, near to their houses,” he said.

A total number of 2,435 jobs were offered by the industries/corporate offices, of which 435 jobs were confirmed at the venue and 600 jobs will be confirmed through post. The remaining 1,400 jobs will be filled up separately.

Also, nine widows and 21 children (12 sons and 9 daughters) of the ex-servicemen participated in the job fair.

The Inter Services Headquarters of the country is observing this year (2012) as the year of the ex-servicemen. As part of the celebrations, the Sub Area had taken up this initiative.