UPNL can’t arrange jobs for civilians: Brig Pahwa

Himanshu K. Lall

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 27

The state government has restrained Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited (UPNL) from arranging jobs for civilians since June 9 this year, says Brig PPS Pahwa (retd), Managing Director of UPNL. He assumed the charge of the nigam on August 31 this year.

Brig Pahwa, while highlighting future plans for enhancing facilities for ex-servicemen and kin, says the UPNL will arrange employment only for retired defence personnel and next of their kin.

“A letter was written to the GOC, Uttarakhand Sub Area, GOC of divisions, Indian Military Academy Commandant, Commanding Officers of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre and Kumaon Regimental Centre, Bengal Engineers Group and Brigade Commanders, requesting them to employ retired defence personnel instead of civilians in mess, CSD canteens, clubs, golf courses, Army Schools, gas agencies, and other institutes run by the Army,” he adds. The foremost advantage of employing ex-servicemen is that they have proven integrity and loyalty towards the country and experience of service in the Indian armed forces.

Brig Pahwa says the UPNL has tied up with the Soldiers Welfare Board to create awareness among ex-servicemen about the benefits of getting employment through the nigam. Camps for providing jobs to ex-servicemen are held regularly across the state, he adds.

“I will ensure transparency in the selection and rejection of candidates,” he says, adding that latest communication modes are used to sensitise ex-servicemen.

He says the vision of the UPNL is to use a well-trained, disciplined, patriotic and motivated manpower in the development of the state. “The UPNL acts as a contractor on the behalf of ex-servicemen and bids for security contracts in Central public sector corporations, state corporations and in the private sector as well,” he adds.

Brig Pahwa has vast administrative, technical, equipment management, leadership and strategic experience of around 36 years. He was commissioned into Regiment of Artillery in 1975. His last posting was deputy director general of NCC, Uttarakhand directorate, between 2008 and 2011. He raised fully functional NCC Directorate after Uttarakhand was carved out from Uttar Pradesh in 2000. He raised air squadron of NCC in Pantnagar. A cadet from Uttarakhand led the NCC contingent on Republic Day while another cadet commanded the Guard of Honour during his tenure.