24th Annual General Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board
REGIONAL: The 24th Annual General Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) in Nagaland was held Monday at Lok Bhavan, Kohima. The meeting aimed to address the welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement of Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and their dependents. Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and senior officials from the Government and Armed Forces were attendance.
Key discussions focused on several significant issues including the enhancement of the Corpus Fund to better support the growing needs of Ex-Servicemen and their families. The meeting also highlighted the importance of uniform implementation of the existing reservation policy in State Government employment aiming to provide dignified rehabilitation and job opportunities for retired defense personnel.
A primary concern was the welfare of World War II veterans, leading to proposals for increasing financial assistance for surviving veterans in recognition of their service. The meeting reviewed benefits for Gallantry Awardees, calling for suitable enhancements aligned with current welfare norms.
Proposals included revising ex-gratia assistance for defense personnel affected by serious casualties and establishing Zila Sainik Boards in Mon and Tuensang districts to address the challenges faced by veterans in accessing welfare services due to geographical constraints.
Efforts to fill manpower shortages within the Rajya Sainik Board and its welfare offices were discussed, emphasizing the need for expedited recruitment to improve service delivery. The discussion included a memorandum from the Ex-Servicemen League, which raised concerns regarding vacancies within the RSB, reservation implementations, empanelment of hospitals under the ECHS and the formation of an additional Naga Regiment battalion.
Specific attention was given to the challenges related to ECHS hospital empanelment, as the lack of available private hospitals in Nagaland hinders veterans needing specialized medical care. The meeting acknowledged the importance of improving employment opportunities for both Ex-Servicemen and indigenous Naga youth, reinforcing recruitment efforts for the Armed Forces and establishing a functional Tri-Services Coordination Committee to promote skill development and sustainable employment.
Overall, the meeting underscored the necessity of regular coordination among various stakeholders, including the State Government, Armed Forces, Kendriya Sainik Board and Rajya Sainik Board to address the welfare concerns of the Ex-Servicemen community comprehensively.