KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 16 (DIPR): Governor of Nagaland and President, Rajya Sainik Board, K. Sankaranarayanan said that if given an opportunity, ex-servicemen can contribute a lot for social cohesion and create a positive environment in our villages. He was speaking at the 15th annual meeting of Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) at Raj Bhavan, Kohima today.
The Governor was of the opinion that regular Zila Sainik Board meetings will help take care of the grievances of the ex-servicemen by ensuring their inclusion in self employment schemes. He also urged the state Chief Minister to accord priority to identifying suitable land for the Poly Clinics at Dimapur and Kohima and get the allotment orders at the earliest. Similarly, he urged the Deputy Commissioners along with the Local Army or Assam Rifles Commanders to find suitable land for Territorial Army formations at the earliest. He reminded the DCs to be more proactive with regard to observation of Flag Day on 7 December and also organise District Rallies for ex-servicemen for which resources have been earmarked by RSB.
The Governor expressed hope that the setting up of State Serving Soldiers Welfare Board by the state government will help resolve many of the problems that soldiers face when they are away from home in the line of duty. Similarly, for the welfare of personnel of Central Para Military Forces, the Central Police Force Welfare and Re-Settlement Board needs to be activated soon, he added.
In his address, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that during the last few years important decisions and notable achievements have taken place with regard to the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows and serving soldiers. He recalled that though the RSB was established in 1948, the organisation remained dormant for a long time and it was from 2004 onwards that the process of reorganisation really took off, with the support of the former Governor of Nagaland, Ministry of Defence (GOI) and Army and Para Military forces.
Rio also thanked the Governor of Nagaland for his active interest in setting up the Sainik School at Punglwa and inviting the Union Defence Minister to inaugurate the School. He added that students of Sainik School Punglwa have earned people’s appreciation for their participation in Independence Day parade at Kohima, Dimapur, Peren and Tuensang. He also highlighted other achievements made in the recent years with regard to setting up of new RSB Directorate building at Kohima, construction of Sainik Bhawan, increasing the Welfare Fund of ex-servicemen etc. He highlighted the recent reemployment drive of ex- servicemen between 2004-2007, wherein about 48 ex-servicemen were recruited in the state Police. He expressed hope that the ex-servicemen will take advantage of such opportunities.
Parliamentary Secretary, Doshehe, in his brief address reiterated the Chief Minister’s concern that the Naga Regimental Centre at Ranikhet Should be shifted to Nagaland at the earliest. Cmdr. K.C. Choudhury, VM, Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence (GOI) also highlighted some of the initiatives that the Ministry has taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen. Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Lalthara voiced concern that the present recruitment rallies taking place can be more extensive, adding that employment in the defence forces is a challenging one for the youths.
The meeting was chaired by Home Commissioner, Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen. Those present included top brass of the army and paramilitary forces, state Police and Deputy Commissioners of the districts in Nagaland.
