Guv addresses Rajya Sainik Board

EMN Dimapur, November 9 The 21st annual meeting of Directorate of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement of Rajya Sainik Board was held today at Raj Bhavan, Kohima under the chairmanship of Governor PB Acharya. The governor in his speech expressed happiness to be part of discussion on welfare issues pertaining to ex-servicemen, widows and dependents, as soldiers have spent their prime time in defence of mother land and that it is the responsibility of all citizens and government to look after their welfare and well being. He said that re-settlement/re-employment of retiring soldiers is of utmost importance and is necessary to assist ex-servicemen in setting up of Self Help Adventure of Small Scale Industries, Co-operative Society and Fair Price Shops etc. In this regard, district administration at ground level plays an important role, governor stated and added that ex-servicemen fraternity should develop skill and vocational training to fit into various jobs that may be available as their second career. The Governor stated that the aim of Rajya Sainik Board is to provide welfare measure and re-settlement of ex-servicemen fraternity and accordingly, welfare measures have been drawn up in the State Managing Committee (SMC) to facilitate maximum benefits by ex-servicemen, widows and dependents. Special emphasis has been made on the growth of dependent. Rs. 7.94 Lakhs approximately have been spent as part of welfare grant in 2014-15. Besides, WW-II Veterans have been given Rs. 36,000 each as a penury grant, thus a total of Rs. 28.09 Lakhs. On 8th October 2015 an Ex-servicemen Rally was also organized at Zakhama with the help of Army authority. The governor also thanked the State, Home and Finance Departments, HQ 3 Corps, IGAR (N) and MoD for their assistance from time to time. He also said that Rajya Sainik Board, Nagaland is a front runner to start Digital Life Certificate (DLC) in the North-East for Ex-servicemen fraternity. The Governor complimented Brig KK Roy Choudhury and his team for providing free coaching and guidance to dependent and Naga youth for recruitment in the Defence Forces and also providing vocational training to dependent and Naga girls, taking proactive measures to revitalize Zila Sainik Welfare Offices for welfare of ex-servicemen fraternity. Governor, who is also the President Rajya Sainik Board, encouraged the Districts Deputy Commissioner to involve more in creating different things to bring eco-relations within the citizens. The Governor also apprised the Sainik Welfare to give good facilities to the school children and give quality education for one to compete with other state in the country. Minister for Social Security & Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyanilie Peseyie, who read out the Vice Presidential address of the Chief Minister in his absence, stated that the Directorate of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement was established in the year 2012 to look after the welfare aspects of all ex-servicemen in Nagaland. He expressed his gratitude that regular interaction by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare and Resettlement with ex-servicemen and widow is being carried out even in remote localities to bring about awareness and also address their problems. He expressed his hope that the intake of Naga youth in armed forces would continue to gather momentum adding that a large number of Naga youth participated in the recruitment rally and a record of 125 youth were enrolled in the regular army. He complimented Brig. K.K. Roy Choudhary (Rtd) Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board and Director, Sainik Welfare and Resettlement and his team for taking many initiatives stance to improve all facets of welfare of ex-servicemen, widows, independents, as well as World War II veterans. Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence New Delhi, also spoke in the meeting and assured to look after the points discussed in the meeting. A two minute silent was also maintained as a respect to the 16 ex-servicemen who expired during the year. New members were also welcomed.