The 24th Annual General Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Nagaland, was held at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on Monday, with the meeting deliberating on measures to strengthen the welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and their dependents.
The meeting was attended by Governor and President of the Rajya Sainik Board Nand Kishore Yadav, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, senior representatives of the State Government, Armed Forces, Kendriya Sainik Board and RSB, besides representatives of the ex-servicemen community. The meeting also welcomed new members to the Board.
The meeting reviewed the progress made on decisions taken during the previous Annual RSB Meeting and deliberated on a number of important issues aimed at strengthening welfare mechanisms for the Ex-Servicemen community.
A key issue discussed was the strengthening of the Corpus Fund of the Rajya Sainik Board, in view of the growing requirements of Ex-Servicemen and their families and the need to ensure sustainable welfare support.
The meeting also deliberated on the effective implementation of the existing reservation policy for Ex-Servicemen in State Government employment. The Board emphasised the need for uniform implementation of the reservation provision across State Government departments to facilitate dignified rehabilitation and employment opportunities for retired defence personnel.
The welfare of World War-II Veterans was another important issue. The meeting considered the need to review and enhance the existing financial assistance being provided to the surviving veterans, in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
The Board also discussed the revision of benefits for Gallantry Awardees of the Defence Services and sought appropriate enhancement of the existing benefits in keeping with prevailing welfare measures.
The meeting further took up the issue of revision of ex-gratia assistance for defence personnel and others affected by fatal and serious casualties. The need for a more appropriate and updated support mechanism was emphasised.
Another major agenda was the creation of Zila Sainik Boards/Zila Sainik Welfare Offices in Mon and Tuensang districts. The proposal was discussed in view of the increasing number of Ex-Servicemen in these areas and the geographical and transportation challenges faced by veterans in accessing welfare services.
The meeting also considered the need to address manpower shortages in the Rajya Sainik Board and Zila Sainik Welfare Offices. Expediting the recruitment process for vacant posts was highlighted as important for improving the delivery of welfare services to beneficiaries across the State.
As an additional agenda, the meeting discussed the memorandum submitted by the Ex-Servicemen League, Nagaland, to the Governor.
The memorandum raised several issues concerning the Ex-Servicemen community, including vacancies in the Rajya Sainik Board, implementation of reservation in State Government jobs, regular conduct of RSB meetings, empanelment of hospitals under ECHS, recruitment in the Naga Regiment and formation of an additional battalion, and the need for an effective Tri-Services Coordination Committee.
The issue of ECHS hospital empanelment received particular attention. The absence of empanelled private hospitals in Nagaland has been causing difficulties for veterans and their dependents requiring specialised medical treatment. The meeting emphasised the need to facilitate and expedite the empanelment of eligible hospitals within the State.
The meeting also discussed measures relating to employment opportunities for Ex-Servicemen and indigenous Naga youth, including concerns regarding recruitment in the Naga Regiment and the need to strengthen opportunities for young people to join the Armed Forces.
The need for a functional Tri-Services Coordination Committee was also emphasised to facilitate skill development, review education-related policies and promote sustainable employment opportunities for Ex-Servicemen.
The meeting stressed the importance of regular coordination among the State Government, Armed Forces, Kendriya Sainik Board, Rajya Sainik Board and the Ex-Servicemen community for effective implementation of welfare and rehabilitation measures.
Governor calls for stronger and compassionate welfare mechanism for ex-servicemen
Governor of Nagaland and President of the Rajya Sainik Board, Nand Kishore Yadav called for stronger, more responsive and compassionate welfare mechanisms for ex-servicemen, serving personnel and their families.
The Governor said that 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.
Highlighting the important role of the Rajya Sainik Board, the Governor said that it serves as a vital link between the Armed Forces, the Government and the veteran community by facilitating welfare measures, addressing grievances and ensuring timely support to ex-servicemen and their families.
The Governor paid tribute to the Armed Forces for embodying the values of courage, discipline, duty, sacrifice and patriotism. He noted that soldiers serve under challenging conditions, often away from their families, safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
He emphasised that the responsibility towards soldiers must continue beyond active service and that retirement should be accompanied by a smooth, dignified and secure transition to civilian life.
He further observed that 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, the Governor said that their sacrifices and lifelong emotional and personal costs must be recognised through sustained support and care. Supporting them, he said, is not only a welfare measure but also a lasting expression of gratitude and collective responsibility.
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The Governor called for focused attention on ensuring that welfare benefits relating to healthcare, education, employment and assistance reach veterans and their families promptly and effectively. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among the Rajya Sainik Board, Zila Sainik Boards, district administrations, concerned departments, military authorities and ex-servicemen associations.
Recognising the crucial role of district level institutions, the Governor said that they must remain responsive to welfare concerns at the grassroots. He also highlighted the role of ex-servicemen associations in strengthening communication, identifying emerging issues and ensuring that Government schemes reach beneficiaries effectively.
The Governor stressed that veterans’ welfare must continually evolve in response to changing needs, particularly in healthcare, employment, financial security, education and digital access. He called for special attention to elderly veterans and families in remote areas and advocated greater use of technology and responsive grievance mechanisms to improve accessibility, transparency and timely delivery of services.
“The security of a nation is measured not only by the strength of its borders, but also by how it honours those who defend them,” the Governor observed, emphasising that the trust placed by a soldier in the nation that it will stand by the soldier and the family must never be weakened.
The Governor called upon the Rajya Sainik Board to continue functioning as a strong, responsive and compassionate institution, working in close coordination with the State Government, Armed Forces, district administrations and veterans’ organisations.
On the occasion, the Governor conveyed his respect and gratitude to all serving personnel, veterans, Veer Naris, Veer Matas and families of fallen soldiers. He extended his best wishes for the successful deliberations of the 24th Annual Meeting and for all initiatives dedicated to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.
Rio stresses welfare, rehabilitation of ex-servicemen as moral obligation
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio stated that the security and defence of the country are of utmost importance for national development and the welfare of its people. He observed that while modern defence equipment and technology are essential, the morale and commitment of defence personnel remain equally vital. He emphasised that one of the most meaningful ways of strengthening the morale of the Armed Forces is by ensuring respect, care and welfare for soldiers not only during their service but also after retirement.
The Chief Minister noted that soldiers retire at a relatively young age in order to maintain a young, active and fighting fit force. Therefore, their welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement after retirement assume great importance. He highlighted the role of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence and the Rajya Sainik Boards in every State in addressing the needs of veterans and their families.
Referring to the courage and commitment of the Armed Forces, The Chief Minister, lauded the bravery displayed by Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor. He also recalled the supreme sacrifice of late Captain Kenguruse during the Kargil War, describing him as a shining example of bravery from Nagaland. He expressed hope that such inspiring stories would encourage more Naga youth to join the Armed Forces and serve the nation with distinction.
Stating that the responsibility towards soldiers does not end with their retirement, the Chief Minister said that ex-servicemen possess valuable experience, discipline, leadership qualities and skills which can greatly contribute to society and the development of the State. He stressed the need to facilitate their meaningful rehabilitation, employment and participation in various spheres of development.
The Chief Minister further noted that the Rajya Sainik Board serves as an important link between the Government, the Armed Forces and the veteran community. 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.
Calling for greater coordination among all stakeholders, he urged the State Government, Rajya Sainik Board, Zila Sainik Boards, Armed Forces and concerned Central Government agencies to work together to ensure that welfare measures reach the intended beneficiaries in a timely, transparent and accessible manner.
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to Veer Naris and families of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. He said that while their sacrifices can never truly be compensated, it is the collective responsibility of society and the Government to ensure that they are treated with dignity, care and respect and receive every entitlement and assistance due to them.
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment towards strengthening the institutional framework for Sainik Welfare, The Chief Minister said that the welfare of veterans is not merely an administrative responsibility but a moral obligation.
He expressed hope that the deliberations of the 24th Annual Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board would lead to practical, constructive and outcome oriented measures for the welfare of the veteran community.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to all serving personnel, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their families for their service and sacrifices, and wished the Rajya Sainik Board continued success in its efforts towards ensuring the welfare and well-being of the veteran community.
Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen, emphasised the State Government’s commitment towards ensuring the welfare, dignity and long-term wellbeing of Ex-Servicemen, war widows and their dependents.
Addressing the meeting, The Chief Secretary, said that service in the defence forces demands immense sacrifice, unwavering discipline and selflessness. He stated that it is the responsibility of the State to ensure that veterans and their families are cared for with dignity and respect.
The Chief Secretary acknowledged the important role played by the Rajya Sainik Board as a vital bridge between the Ex-Servicemen community and the State Government. Highlighting key priorities for the welfare of veterans, he stressed the need to strengthen the financial sustainability of the Rajya Sainik Board Corpus Fund and ensure effective implementation of job reservations for Ex-Servicemen.
On the issue of the Corpus Fund, The Chief Secretary, noted that between 2021 and 2025, the State Government contributed, recognising the growing needs of the veteran community, he said that the proposal to further enhance the State’s contribution to the Corpus Fund is being actively examined to ensure uninterrupted welfare support.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the need for effective enforcement of the 5% job reservation for Ex-Servicemen in Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts. While the reservation policy has been in place since 1994, he observed that its implementation across government departments has faced certain bottlenecks, resulting in limited opportunities for eligible Ex-Servicemen.
He stated that efforts would be made to work with the concerned departments towards ensuring effective implementation of the reservation policy and creating greater opportunities for Ex-Servicemen to pursue meaningful second careers in public service.
The Chief Secretary, reiterated the importance of continued coordination between the Rajya Sainik Board, the State Government and other stakeholders in ensuring that those who have served the nation receive the welfare, support and recognition they deserve.
The meeting was chaired by Director, Rajya Sainik Board, Nagaland, Retired Captain(IN) Lalsuonglien Tonsing, and vote of thanks was delivered by Home Commissioner Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha.
