Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, and senior state government and Armed Forces officials attend the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board, Nagaland, at Lok Bhavan, Kohima on August 31.
Kohima, August 31 (MExN): The 24th Annual General Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Nagaland, was held at Lok Bhavan, Kohima on Monday to review welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement measures for ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and their dependents in the State.
Governor and President of the RSB, Nand Kishore Yadav, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, senior State government and Armed Forces representatives, officials from the Kendriya Sainik Board and RSB, and representatives of the ex-servicemen community attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed progress on decisions taken at the previous annual meeting and discussed strengthening the RSB Corpus Fund, implementation of the reservation policy for ex-servicemen in State government employment, enhanced assistance for World War-II veterans and revision of benefits for gallantry awardees.
The Board also discussed revision of ex-gratia assistance for defence personnel and others affected by fatal and serious casualties, besides the creation of Zila Sainik Boards/Zila Sainik Welfare Offices in Mon and Tuensang districts. Manpower shortages in the RSB and district welfare offices were also taken up, with recruitment to vacant posts identified as a priority.
The issue of empanelment of private hospitals under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) received particular attention. The meeting noted difficulties faced by veterans and dependents requiring specialised treatment due to the absence of empanelled private hospitals in Nagaland and called for the process to be expedited.
The meeting also considered employment opportunities for ex-servicemen and Naga youth, including recruitment in the Naga Regiment and the proposal for an additional battalion. The need for a functional Tri-Services Coordination Committee to promote skill development, review education policies and support employment opportunities was also discussed.
Addressing the meeting, Governor Yadav called for stronger and more responsive welfare mechanisms for ex-servicemen, serving personnel and their families. He said the annual meeting was “not merely a review of schemes and programmes, but a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to honour and support those who have served the country.”
He said the RSB serves as a vital link between the Armed Forces, government and veteran community, while stressing that the responsibility towards soldiers must continue beyond active service. “The security of a nation is measured not only by the strength of its borders, but also by how it honours those who defend them,” he said.
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio said the welfare of defence personnel after retirement was important as soldiers retire relatively young to maintain an active fighting force. He said ex-servicemen possess experience, discipline, leadership and skills that can contribute to society and the development of the State.
Rio also called for timely access to pensions and welfare benefits, healthcare, education, employment and self-employment opportunities, as well as effective grievance redressal. Referring to Operation Sindoor and the sacrifice of late Captain Kenguruse during the Kargil War, he expressed hope that such examples would inspire more Naga youth to join the Armed Forces.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen said the State Government was committed to the welfare and dignity of ex-servicemen, war widows and their dependents. He highlighted the need to strengthen the RSB Corpus Fund and ensure effective implementation of the 5% job reservation for ex-servicemen in Group C and D posts.
He said the reservation policy, in place since 1994, had faced implementation bottlenecks across government departments and that efforts would be made to improve its enforcement and create greater opportunities for ex-servicemen.
The meeting was chaired by Director, RSB Nagaland, Retired Captain (IN) Lalsuonglien Tonsing, while Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha delivered the vote of thanks.
