PUNJAB EXPRESS BUREAU Chandigarh, October 9 Punjab Minister for De fence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture Depart ments, Mohinder Bhagat said that the Bhgawant Mann government to strengthen the District Defence Services Welfare Offices across the state to facilitate the ex-service men in a big way. During his visit to the Saink Sadan, Phase 10, Mohali (District Defence Services Welfare Office), the Minister said during his interaction with the media and ex-servicemen that the visit is aimed to take the stock of existing set-up and facilities being given by the district de fence services welfare of fices so that the shortcom ings would be overcome. He said that these offices have been taking care of the ex-servicemen, and their families very well by facilitating them with all the entitlements and rais ing their demands with the state in case they need so. After getting a guard of honor from the police contingent during his first visit to the district, he of fered floral tribute to the 1965 Kargil Hero, Maha vir Chakra Major Baljit Singh’s statue at the Sainik Sadan. He said that the martyrs of freedom strug gle and defence forces have great respect among every citizen of the Nation and we must take care of their families for their unparal leled valiant and sacrifice for the Nation. Interacting with the ex-servicemen, Veer Na ris and family members of army personnel, the Minister said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab govern ment will not let them any problem at all and they will be treated as the most respected persons. He said that the ex-gratia amount that has been en hanced to Rs 1 crore is a befitting tribute to the martyrs of the defence forces by the state govern ment to express solidarity with their families. On raising concern over the disparity in PWD pen sion and the need for lump sum honorarium for the war widows till the sanc tion of family pension, the Minister assured that the disparities would be removed besides grant ing a lump sum amount of honorarium is under consideration of the State Government. He assured that the issues raised here and related to the Gov ernment of India would also be taken up with wthe central government for their early disposal