Spear Corps of the Indian Army organized a mega rally for the ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces and Assam Rifles for the state of Nagaland and Karbi Anglong district of Assam at the Bhagat Stadium in Rangapahar Military Station (RMS), on Wednesday.
The event also brought together Veer Naris, widows, and their families, offering them a platform to engage with the Armed Forces, state administration, and support organizations.
The rally featured grievance redressal services and awareness programs on welfare initiatives for veterans.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, chief minister Neiphiu Rio described the rally as a solemn occasion honoring the contributions and sacrifices of retired service personnel.
“I salute the supreme sacrifices of our armed forces personnel who have safeguarded our great nation over the decades since Independence. We also acknowledge the sacrifices made by their families, who have played an equal role in nation-building. I hope this event fosters a sense of duty and camaraderie among both serving and retired personnel,” Rio stated.
He further highlighted government welfare schemes, including the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI).
He encouraged ex-servicemen and their children to explore entrepreneurship, self-help groups, farming, and other industries.
Rio also spoke about Sainik School Punglwa, recalling his efforts as the President of the Old Boys’ Association (Alumni of Sainik Schools) in appealing to the then Defence Minister for its establishment in Nagaland. However, he expressed concern over the declining student enrollment, noting that reserved state quota seats have remained unfilled since 2022.
He therefore urged ex-servicemen, public leaders, and concerned departments to create awareness and encourage more students to enroll in the institution. “We must ensure that our quota is fully utilized and make the school a source of pride for the state,” he emphasized.
Concluding his speech, he assured the gathering that the state government would provide all possible support and assistance wherever required. GOC Spear Corps, Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar gave the special address while short speeches were delivered by director Rajya Sainik Board Captain (IN) Lalsuonglien Tonsing (Retd), Dy Commandant ARESA Bimlesh; ESM, Wg Cdr Alan Shaiza (Retd) and vice president ESM Nagaland League Subedar, Moatemsu.
The program also showcased cultural performances, including a pipe band march, Naga cultural presentation, Kalaripayattu, dog show, Krav Maga, Silambam, Khukuri dance, and Gatka and Bhangra.
Dedicated Information Kiosks and Grievances Redressal Counters installed by various Record Offices, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension), SPARSH, Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Army Recruitment Office (ARO), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Banks, Insurance Companies, Nagaland Legal Department and Civil Hospital (CIHSR) served the veterans by providing information on various government policies and welfare programs.
PM-JAY, CMHIS to continue, says Rio
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday assured that services under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) would not be suspended, as the issues concerning both schemes had been resolved.
Responding to media queries regarding the Nagaland Private Doctors’ Association’s demand for an apology and its threat to halt services under the schemes, Rio affirmed that the matter had been addressed.
He made the statement while interacting with reporters on the sidelines of a mega rally for ex-servicemen organized by the Armed Forces and Assam Rifles at Bhagat Stadium, Rangapahar Military Station (RMS), on Wednesday.