According to an official release here, Ex-Servicemen Centres are functioning at all districts of the State, to safeguard the interests of those who worked in defence forces with the sole motive of protecting the country.

'They worked hard for the sake of the security of the country, by putting aside the welfare of their family members,' the release said.

The statement further said: 'Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is very keen on protecting the interests of Ex-Servicemen. On coming to know that the building housing Ex-Servicemen Centre at Vellore is in a dilapidated condition, and is beyond repair, the Chief Minister has ordered to demolish the building and construct a new one with all the necessary infrastructure facilities.'

It added: 'She has sanctioned Rs 2.19 crore to demolish the old structure and replace it with a new edifice with modern amenities. This step of the government will help a lot Ex-Servicemen who visit the centre.'

The Chief Minister has been particular in taking care of the interests of personnel in the security forces and their family members, irrespective of whether they are presently at work, retired or deceased.

A few months ago, a police canteen, set up in Tiruchirapalli on the lines of the ones being run for military personnel, was inaugurated by Jayalalithaa through video conferencing from Chennai.

Situated inside the sprawling Tamilnadu Special Police - I Battalion campus, the canteen will sell range of consumer durables, electrical and electronic items including fans, washing machines, television sets, fridges and grinders besides cosmetic items at subsidised rates. Serving police personnel, those retired from police service and their families as well as families of deceased police personnel can make use of the canteen facility, sources said. A few months ago, the Chief Minister had sanctioned Rs one crore as subsidy for the establishment of the canteens at the Regimental Centre, Avadi; TSP-I Battalion, Tiruchi and at the TSP-VI Battalion, Madurai.