ESMLN delegation meets GOC 3 Corps, highlights concerns of ex-servicemen

A delegation from the Ex-Servicemen League Nagaland (ESMLN), led by its president Maj Vikuto Asumi (Retd), called on Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Corps, at Rangapahar Military Station on October 3 to discuss pressing issues affecting ex-servicemen in the state.
During the meeting, the delegation raised concerns over the acute shortage of staff in the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) and Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs) across districts. They attributed the staffing crisis to legal complications arising from unethical backdoor appointments and delays in the interview process, despite vacancies being advertised in January 2025. The delegation noted that the current workforce operates at less than 40% of its sanctioned strength, with many employees being overaged, and called for urgent action to fill the posts for efficient departmental functioning.
The ESMLN also urged the implementation of a 5% job reservation for indigenous ex-servicemen in state government departments, in line with central and state policies. Citing successful models from other states, the delegation requested the GOC to take up the matter with the Government of Nagaland to ensure fair employment opportunities for veterans.
Another key issue discussed was the limited empanelment of local private hospitals under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), which has forced many veterans to seek medical care outside the state. The delegation appealed for expedited inclusion of hospitals within Nagaland to improve healthcare access.
Concerns were also raised over the non-conduct of the annual Rajya Sainik Board meeting, which is mandated to be chaired by the Governor of Nagaland and attended by key stakeholders including defence officials, ex-servicemen representatives and the chief minister. The delegation noted that the absence of these meetings has stalled critical policy decisions affecting the welfare of veterans.
The ESMLN also proposed a special recruitment rally exclusively for indigenous youth of Nagaland to serve in the Naga and Assam Regiments, aiming to enhance local representation in the armed forces.
The delegation also highlighted the harassment faced by ex-servicemen entrepreneurs due to illegal taxation by underground groups. They alleged that overground individuals and association leaders were aiding extortion activities, turning it into an organized crime network involving both government and non-government actors. Lieutenant General Pendharkar gave the delegation a patient hearing and engaged in a collaborative discussion. He assured that the concerns raised would be forwarded to the appropriate higher authorities for necessary action.