On the eve of 20-years of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, The Indian Express reported a story of Satpal Singh, a Kargil War soldier who was awarded the Vir Chakra for exceptional gallantry, however, had been working as a Punjab traffic policeman in the Sangrur district, following his discharge from the Army.
The story attracted several social media users voicing how the braveheart had not received his due after serving the country all his life. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered an immediate double promotion of the Vir Chakra awardee, within hours of this media report.
Have promoted Vir Chakra awardee Satpal Singh of the #KargilWar from senior constable to ASI. He deserves special treatment, which previous @Akali_Dal_ govt didn’t deem fit to give him at the time of his recruitment in 2010. This is the least we can do for our brave soldiers. https://t.co/OUHuosvSSA
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 26, 2019
In a official statement, the Punjab government confirmed, Satpal Singh, who joined Punjab Police after his discharge from the Indian Army, has been named ‘Assistant sub inspector (ASI)’ following orders from the CM in recognition of his valiant contribution during the Kargil War.
Speaking to mediapersons after placing a wreath at the Chandigarh War Memorial, Capt Amarinder Singh said,
When I read the news in the morning, I immediately decided to correct the wrong perpetuated on the brave soldier.
He regretted that Satpal Singh had to work as a Head Constable after his act of gallantry during the Kargil War, calling it a failure of the previous Akali Dal-BJP government.
Twenty years ago, Satpal Singh was a Sepoy, battling Pakistan Army’s counter-attacks on Tiger Hill. (Image Credit : Indian Express)
Reacting to the order for his promotion, Satpal Singh thanked the Chief Minister and said,
My family and I thank Capt Amarinder with all humility. I also salute him as a soldier for ordering my immediate promotion as ASI.
Capt Amarinder Singh, Punjab CM
As a special case, Satpal will be recruited as an ASI in relaxation of Punjab Police Rules by the Director General of Police who has been authorised to do so by the Chief Minister. Ex post facto approval of the Council of Ministers will be obtained for the required relaxation in rules, the spokesperson said.
The good news for Satpal’s family did not end here. Job offers have also been made to his 25-year-old son who is an unemployed post-graduate. An educational institutions’ chain and a multinational beverage bottling company have got in touch with Satpal Singh’s family to offer a job to his son.
Here’s saluting Satpal Singh and wishing him great luck in his future endeavours.
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