The Directorate of Indian Army Veterans will be the nodal agency.The matter comes in the backdrop of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat stating in January that the army will observe 2019 as the year for the next of kin. Therefore, it was decided to dedicate the year 2019 as the ‘Year of NOK’,” explained an official.Among its target population, the army will focus on the next of kin of battle casualties. Another target population are the next of kin of physical casualties. The army feels that it is important to reach out to the next of kin during the lifetime of an ex-serviceman for updating documents. It also plans to ensure proper care for the next of kin of disabled ex-servicemen such as counselling.

Source: Economic Times May 08, 2019 15:00 UTC