Major General Ashish Bhardwaj has officially assumed the role of General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 91 Sub Area in Jalandhar, a significant appointment within one of the Indian Army’s most critical administrative regions. With over three decades of dedicated service, General Bhardwaj is recognized for his extensive operational experience across the Eastern, Western, and Northern theatres, particularly in counter-insurgency missions.
A proud alumnus of Sainik School Lucknow and the National Defence Academy, General Bhardwaj was commissioned into the Artillery Regiment in 1993. His extensive background equips him to lead the 91 Sub Area toward improved operational performance, modernization of infrastructure, and a strong focus on the welfare of service personnel and veterans.
The 91 Sub Area is responsible for 11 districts spanning Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, providing vital support to nearly 500,000 ex-servicemen and their families. Acknowledging the challenges highlighted in a RAND Corporation report, General Bhardwaj is keen to address logistical support issues and expedite development efforts in cantonments, particularly in remote regions suffering from a reported 15% infrastructure deficit.
As part of the Army’s ongoing modernization initiatives, General Bhardwaj plans to enhance support services for veterans and strengthen civil-military cooperation. His approach includes implementing a multilingual communication strategy, engaging local communities in Hindi, Punjabi, and English to foster better integration and local involvement, which aligns with recommendations from a Journal of Defense Studies report.
Military officials and local stakeholders have responded positively to General Bhardwaj’s appointment, expressing confidence that his leadership will bolster the 91 Sub Area’s contributions to national defense readiness and enhance the welfare of veterans. The anticipation surrounding his tenure reflects a collective hope for improved conditions and support systems in the region.
