Dimapur, Nov 8 (MExN): The 13th Annual meeting of Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) was held at Sainik Bhavan, Dimapur today with the Governor of Nagaland and President of Rajya Sainik Board, Shyamal Datta delivering the opening address of the meeting. The annual meet was attended by members of the State Government led by CM Neiphiu Rio, who is also the Vice- President of the RSB and top ranking defense forces from the region and centre. Dignitaries present were Home Minister Thenucho, MLA Doshehe Sema, Additional Chief Secretary TN Manen, Finance Commissioner Lalhuma, MP Wangyuh Konyak, Additional DGP, Banuo Jamir, Principal Secretary & Commissioner along with the Deputy Commissioners of Kohima, Dimapur, Mon, Peren, Wokha, Phek and Longleng besides other Government official members. The meeting also enclosed the presence of Lt. General SI Jakhalu, Secretary, RSB Nagaland, Lt. General RN Kapur AVSM (Bar), Air Vice Marshall, JS Chandyok, Deputy Chief of Staff HQ IDS, MoD, VSM Eastern Air Command, Major General AK Samantary, COC, HQ 3 Corps, CMDE Satish Nair, Principal Director DGR, MOD, Brigadier Brij Pal, Colonel MC Pradhan and Shivaji Samadar besides officials from Directorate General Resettlement & Kendriya Sainik Board, MoD New Delhi and other respected members of the board and invitees.
While addressing the meeting in his opening speech, the Governor highlighted on the agendas of the meeting. He also emphasized on the achievements and initiatives and plans to be undertaken by the RSB for the ex-servicemen and family of eligible ex-servicemen. The President, RSB informed that two polyclinics for ex-servicemen have been sanctioned by the Government of India at Kohima and Dimapur which the CM would highlight in his speech.
The CM, in his speech, joined the Governor in welcoming the gathering and stressed the need to joint effort in making the Sainik Board more meaningful. He highlighted some important decisions and achievements of RSB for which he credited the Governor at the highest and called him the ‘godfather for Ex-servicemen of Nagaland’. He further mentioned some achievements of creation of separate Directorate with complimentary staff and officers for RSB, construction of Sainik Bhawan at Dimapur and that the State Government has contributed RS. 45.58 lakhs during 2004-05 and Rs. 30.24 during 2005-06 towards ex-servicemen Welfare Fund. He also maintained that the ex-servicemen has been regularly taking part in Republic and Independence Day parades in most of the districts while adding that 34 ex-servicemen have been re-employed in the State police. The Government has also granted financial assistance to 219 living world war veterans at the rate of Rs. 300 per month. The CM informed that as demanded by the Government 60 Rashtriya Rifles (Nagas) as part of Naga Regiment has been raised during 2004 and the GoI has also sanctioned for raising of one Territorial Army (Home & Heart) Battalion exclusively for Nagaland. He also mentioned that for the two polyclinics sanctioned by the Indian Government, DC Kohima has already allotted a plot of land for construction of the building while the DC Dimapur has submitted a proposal to the Government for allotment of land. He further appealed the IGAR & GOC Nagaland and the Corps Commander, HQ 3 Corps to examine and assist Zila Sainik Board in Mon, Peren and Meluri regarding rest houses. The CM also said that the intake of Nagas in Defense forces have increased and correspondingly many are retiring for which he appealed all members present to give due consideration to the agendas and decisions that would be undertaken to implement the cause. The Home Minister, Nagaland, Thenucho speaking on the occasion appealed all members to extend help and assistance to the Ex-servicemen and also the widows and children. He urged the representatives of the Indian Government present at the meeting to support the State Government’s proposals and also assured full cooperation from his department. This was followed by short speeches delivered by members of Defense forces from the center and the Army.
An interaction session followed where the agendas of the annual meeting were highlighted point by point and discussed with proposals, improvements and how to implement with contributions from all the members and invitees present at the meeting. Various topics relating to the benefits and resettlement for the ex-servicemen and its related issues were discussed in depth. This was followed by another session which discussed the state managing committee of special fund for construction and rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen in Nagaland. A cash analysis was taken up on the expenditure statements and accounts of the RSB. The dignitaries present at the meeting participated with full involvement in discussing the various agendas. The closing address was delivered by the Governor of Nagaland.
