DIMAPUR, AUG 31 (NPN): Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav has called for stronger, responsive and compassionate welfare mechanisms for ex-servicemen, serving personnel and their families.
Addressing the 24th annual general meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Nagaland, at Lok Bhavan, Kohima on Monday, Yadav, who is also president of the RSB, said the annual meeting was not merely a review of schemes but a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to honour and support those who have served.
He described the RSB as a vital link between the Armed Forces, government and veteran community, facilitating welfare measures, addressing grievances and ensuring timely support. He said responsibility towards soldiers must continue beyond active service, with retirement accompanied by a smooth, dignified and secure transition to civilian life.
Yadav said ex-servicemen should be regarded not merely as welfare beneficiaries but as a valuable national resource whose discipline, leadership, courage and resilience could continue contributing to society. He called for special attention to Veer Naris, Veer Matas and families of fallen soldiers, saying their sacrifices and lifelong emotional and personal costs required sustained support.
The governor stressed timely and effective delivery of benefits relating to healthcare, education, employment and financial assistance. He called for stronger coordination among the RSB, Zila Sainik Boards, district administrations, government departments, military authorities and ex-servicemen associations.
He also stressed that veterans’ welfare must evolve with changing needs, particularly in healthcare, employment, financial security, education and digital access.
Greater attention, he said, should be given to elderly veterans and families in remote areas, along with technology-enabled services and responsive grievance mechanisms.
State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio said national security and defence were essential for development and that the morale and commitment of defence personnel were as important as modern equipment and technology.
He said ensuring respect, care and welfare for soldiers during and after service was crucial to maintaining that morale.
Rio noted that personnel retire relatively young to maintain a young and fighting-fit force, making rehabilitation, resettlement and employment after retirement particularly important. He lauded the bravery of Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor and recalled late Captain Kenguruse’s supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War as an example of Naga valour, expressing hope that such stories would inspire more Naga youth to join the Armed Forces.
Rio said ex-servicemen’s experience, discipline and leadership could contribute significantly to state development and called for meaningful rehabilitation and employment opportunities. He also stressed priority welfare measures for ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and dependents, including timely pensions, healthcare, children’s education, employment and grievance redressal.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the institutional framework for Sainik Welfare, describing it as a moral obligation.
The meeting, attended by senior representatives of the state government, Armed Forces, Kendriya Sainik Board, RSB and ex-servicemen community, reviewed earlier decisions and discussed strengthening the RSB Corpus Fund, implementing reservation for ex-servicemen in state government employment, welfare of World War-II veterans, revised benefits for gallantry awardees, enhanced ex-gratia assistance and establishing Zila Sainik Boards in Mon and Tuensang.
Manpower shortages in Sainik Welfare offices and hospital empanelment under ECHS were also discussed. The absence of empanelled private hospitals in Nagaland has created difficulties for veterans requiring specialised treatment.
The meeting further deliberated on employment opportunities for ex-servicemen and indigenous Naga youth, including recruitment in the Naga Regiment, and the need for a functional Tri-Services Coordination Committee.
State chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen also reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare, dignity and long-term wellbeing of ex-servicemen, war widows and their dependents.
