Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 30
Nagaland’s Governor Nikhil Kumar today stressed on the need to do the best as state government, central government and defence services to ensure that “our ex-servicemen who have given their prime time in defending our country from external aggression and in maintaining unity and integrity.”
Speaking at the 18th annual meeting of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement here at Raj Bhavan, Kumar, who is also the President of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement appealed to the august gathering on the need to work to strengthen this organization and existing infrastructure for the betterment of ex-servicemen.
Kumar also said that within a short span of time, the Directorate of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement has taken up a number of important issues for the upliftment and betterment of ex-servicemen, widows and their dependents and for the Naga youth and further thanked the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the Government for active support received from the state government both financially and administratively.
He also maintained that agenda points slated for discussion should be addressed in the correct perspective to ensure proper welfare of ex-servicemen, widows and their dependents.
Besides, he said it would also facilitate Naga youth in their growth and seeking job opportunities in Defence Services and Para Military forces.
“I have been informed by the secretary of the committee by Brig K.K. Roy Choudhury that lot of assistance and positive response have been received in the recent past from the MOD (KSB), 3 Corps and IGAR (N). My compliments to them and am sure you will continue to provide required assistance in the future as well,” Governor said.
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also Vice President of Sainik Welfare and Settlement said many Nagas are joining the para military forces. Rio said that in recent time 5000 Naga youths have joined the army and the para military forces.
He assured that the state government would give all possible support and further requested the para military agencies to do what is possible not only in Kohima and Dimapur but in all the districts of the state.
Minister for Home Imkong L. Imchen in his speech stressed on the importance of the Rajya Sainik Board and the need to create awareness on the same.
3 Corps GOC Lt Gen. AK Sahani, SM, VSM said the state has been most forthcoming and admitted on the need for more awareness on the various schemes. He said that widows would be given extra attention and requested for employment of ex-servicemen and district level assistance/guide for the ex-servicemen.
IGAR (North) Maj. Gen BS Das, SM, Air Commodore Sanjay Sharma, secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi and Director, Sainik Welfare & Resettlement, Nagaland also spoke on the occasion.
Nagaland’s Chief Secretary Lalthara, Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner Banuo Z. Jamir, Finance Commissioner Toshi Aier, DGP O. Alem, Home Commissioner J. Alam, Secretary to Governor V. Shashant Sekhar, Brig KK Roy Chodhury, SM, VSM (Retd) Director SWR and many other top government officials and senior military officers were also present at the meeting.
Among the many agendas discussed at the meeting included; construction of Sainik Rest House at Wokha, establishment of Vocational Training Centre at the Directorate of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement, Kohima; Nagaland Sainik Rest House; enhancement of WW-II Veterans Grant, employment in the state government/public sector within the state; ex-servicemen contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic; Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHC) and Jai Jawan Awas; Issue of Payment Ration; Smart Cards for Purchase of Canteen Stores Department Items; Establishment of Helpline and Computerisation; State Level Ex-Servicemen Rally; District Sainik Rest Houses & Zila Sainik Board Offices, District Sainik Rest Houses and Upgradation/Opening of Welfare Cell in District headquarters, formation of serving soldiers welfare board etc.
(With inputs from DIPR).
