96 Dabhol/NTPC veterans, deprived of pay and pensions for over two decades, present documents at Press Club of India and threaten prolonged agitation if authorities fail to act.
New Delhi | December 26, 2025
A group of 96 ex-servicemen associated with Dabhol/NTPC raised a strong protest on Friday over unpaid salaries and pensions pending for the last 24 years. At a press conference held at the Press Club of India, the veterans warned that they would launch an indefinite sit-in if immediate action is not taken by the authorities.
Senior ex-servicemen from Mumbai displayed detailed documents substantiating their claims. They expressed frustration that despite decades of service, they have neither received their salaries nor pensions, leaving many of them in old age struggling for essentials like medical care, food, and housing.
During the press interaction, emotions ran high. Some veterans removed their upper garments in a symbolic act, declaring that after 24 years of waiting, they have nothing left to lose. The display moved journalists, many of whom pledged to highlight the issue nationally and internationally and support the proposed protest at Dabhol/NTPC headquarters.
The veterans emphasized that the motto “Jai Hind, Jai Jawan” is more than a slogan—it defines their identity—but they are now forced to fight for their legitimate entitlements, citing systemic negligence.
Laxman Mahadik highlighted that 24 years represent a significant portion of one’s life, adding that years of dedicated service have been met with only delays and inaction. Suryakant Pawar noted that the issue is fully backed by documents now presented to the media, calling for strict accountability.
R.G. Pawar questioned the treatment of soldiers who served the nation yet struggle for basic necessities, while V.S. Salunkhe warned that all constitutional remedies have been exhausted, and agitation will escalate if the matter is ignored.
Suresh Pachpute urged the media not to let the issue fade, emphasizing that continued inaction undermines soldiers’ rights. Chandrakant Shinde stressed that the fight now concerns the futures of 96 families, not just individual veterans.
Vijay Nikam stated that if the authorities fail to act promptly, the veterans will begin an indefinite sit-in outside Dabhol/NTPC headquarters. The group reiterated that their approach is peaceful and constitutional, but decades of neglect have compelled them to prepare for decisive action.
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