In a thoughtful move initiated by Gopal, the Pune Sub Area Command had started a placement cell for ex-servicemen in April. ``Most jawans when they retire do so at an age when their abilities are peaking and they are still capable of much work. The placement cell was started to help just such people,'' said Gopal. ``Ex-servicemen of a higher rank are able to secure positions after their retirement. But jawans have little or no contact in the corporate sector or elsewhere. The placement cell only acts as an intermediary to facilitate post-retirement employment opportunities. The only charge made is to cover the postage costs. Organisations from the corporate sector let us know if they need people and we in turn convey this information to those who have registered with us,'' he said.

He is however unable to say just how many such ex-servicemen have benefitted from this cell.

``The retired soldiers do not always get back to us. But I'm sure it has helped many as the placement cell includes Maharashtra and Gujarat. The kind of jobs secured are mainly that of security or in clerical positions.'' For those who have spent half their active lives safeguarding the nation, this is one move that's they certainly deserve.