Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired the third meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board at Lok Bhavan, formerly Raj Bhavan, in Imphal on July 10, a Lok Bhavan communiqué stated.
The meeting reviewed a wide range of issues concerning the welfare, rehabilitation, and resettlement of ex-servicemen, war widows, and their dependents.
Discussions centred on strengthening the delivery of welfare measures and enhancing institutional support for the veteran community across the state.
Key agenda items included the construction of a new Sainik Rest House-cum-Office Complex, increasing manpower to improve district-level outreach, and other initiatives aimed at optimising the functioning of the Rajya Sainik Board.
Speaking at the meeting, the Governor said the government would extend all possible assistance for the welfare of ex-servicemen at both the state and national levels.
He noted that Manipur is home to approximately 7,627 registered ex-servicemen, whose welfare is jointly overseen by the Central Government and the state-level Rajya Sainik Board, with targeted support programmes provided by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
The Governor also highlighted the key welfare schemes and benefits available to ex-servicemen and their dependents in the state.
Under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), polyclinics across Manipur provide comprehensive and cashless medical treatment.
Financial and pension support is extended through regular outreach programmes, including localised pension adalats and Assam Rifles rallies, which help disburse grants, resolve pension-related grievances, and distribute essential aids such as motorised wheelchairs.
Educational assistance is provided through scholarships and financial aid for the children of war widows, war-disabled personnel, and serving personnel under the Kendriya Sainik Board and the Assam Rifles Ex-Servicemen Association (ARESA).
In addition, state departments and armed forces directorates run skill development and rehabilitation programmes, including agricultural guidance and business loan support, to help veterans transition to civilian careers.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Government of Manipur, the Commissioner (Home), the Special Secretary (Finance), the General Officer Commanding of the 57 Mountain Division, the Deputy Commissioners of Imphal East, Imphal West, and Churachandpur, members of the Rajya Sainik Board, and representatives of the ex-servicemen community.