As the nation marks Republic Day today, World War II veterans and their widows are struggling to survive

Neither here nor there that sums up the plight of hundreds of former soldiers who have been dumped by Britain, the country they fought for in World War II (WWII).

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Most of these soldiers fought against Germany as part of the British Army during World War II.
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After the war, they were in the Indian Army for a short while. During post independence though, most of them who could not fit in the recruitment criteria of Indian Army were either rejected or they quit.

These soldiers are faced with a peculiar dilemma. War veterans they are, but they are in a grey zone. Left by the British, post Indian Independence and having served in the Indian army only for a short while, what are they entitled to?

The state government earlier provided them Rs 10 a day to since October 1, 1989. This was raised to a monthly amount of Rs 300, then to Rs 600 in January 1, 1999 and Rs 1,275 on August 1, 2004. This trend continues till today.

The State Department of Sainik Welfare HQ at Pune through their 30 districts offices all over Maharashtra have been supporting the veterans in every possible way and have even requested the state government to increase the financial assistance from Rs 1,275 to Rs 3,500, which is minimum pension to any government servant as per the Sixth Pay Commission.

Director at the State Department of Sainik Welfare HQ, Col (retd) Suhas Jatkar confirmed the move and said, "As on date 9,165 World War II veterans and their widows all over the state are registered with us, most of them are in the age of 80 plus and are living in a bad condition, with no family or financial support.

The state government provides financial aid of Rs 1,275 per month, which costs the exchequer Rs 1.17 crores anually. We have requested the government to increase the sum, as they are ageing and their numbers are diminishing."

Col Jatkar added, "World War II was a typical situation. The British used whatever recruitable population was available in the country to fight for them against Germany.

Once that war was over it was impossible for the British to maintain and sustain this kind of army. These people did not work for a pensionable serviceu00a0 or put in the years of service required to get in a pension."

When these people retired from serving the British army they probably must have been in the age group of 20 to 30 years at most, and they could work for sometime.

By 1989, they had become old and some had died and left behind widows who now have to be looked after.

Col Jatkar further added, since WW II fund is a state subject, every state as per its requirement, took decisions and made necessary provisions to provide these veterans financial aid in which Maharashtra pays the least.

MiD DAY visited Kolhapur, part of Western Maharashtra, which contributed maximum World War II veterans (see box) and spoke to some of the widows and veterans and found them living under inhumaneu00a0 conditions.
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"They defied death when the country needed them and today remain forgotten and unsung heroes," said N N Patil, a former Army officer, who is also the president of the India Ex-services League, an NGO.

Col Shankarrao Nikam (retd) (91) who fought for the British Army said, "It is a clear case of discrimination, and while the country is celebrating Republic Day, the war veterans and their widows have to beg for a decent living even today."

Charter of demands

Zilla District Sainik Welfare Office, Kolhapur in-charge Major (retd) M D Tungar said that they have three main charter of demands for the World War II veterans/widows, they are-u00a0

They should be entitled for Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), which is not the case today.
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The scheme provides a smart card, which can be used by these people to avail free medical treatment and ambulance service in any military hospital or dispensary

Grant Canteen Stores Department (CSD) facility, which is only after serving five years of term in the force. They can get food grains and other household items at subsidised rates, which are not allowed today

Increase financial assistance from Rs 1,275 to Rs 3,500

What the widows say

Rukmini Padawale (82) widow of late Havaldar Dinkarrao Padwale
"Life is hell with no source of income from anywhere. My son is finding difficulty running his family and taking care of my medical expenses amounting to Rs 1,000 per month. The monthly amount (Rs 1,275) I get is not sufficient to even take care of medical bills."