Dimapur: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Monday called for stronger, more responsive and compassionate welfare mechanisms for ex-servicemen, serving personnel and their families.
Addressing the 24th annual general meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, Yadav, who is also the president of the Rajya Sainik Board, said the annual meeting was not merely a review of schemes and programmes, but a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to honour and support those who have served the country.
The meeting, also attended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, senior representatives of the state government, the armed forces, the Kendriya Sainik Board and the Rajya Sainik Board, along with representatives of the ex-servicemen community, reviewed matters concerning the welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and their dependents in the state.
On the important role of the Rajya Sainik Board, Yadav said ex-servicemen should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of welfare schemes, but as a valuable national resource whose discipline, leadership, courage and resilience can continue to contribute to society.
Giving special emphasis to Veer Naris, Veer Matas and families of fallen soldiers, he said their sacrifices and lifelong emotional and personal costs must be recognised through sustained support and care.
Yadav called for focused attention on ensuring that welfare benefits relating to healthcare, education, employment and assistance reach veterans and their families promptly and effectively.
In his address, Rio stated that soldiers retire at a relatively young age in order to maintain a young, active and fighting-fit force, adding that their welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement after retirement assume great importance.
He emphasised that the welfare of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and dependents must remain a priority, with particular focus on timely access to pension and welfare benefits, healthcare, education for children and dependents, employment and self-employment opportunities, and effective redressal of grievances.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment towards strengthening the institutional framework for sainik welfare, Rio said the welfare of veterans is not merely an administrative responsibility but a moral obligation.