Kohima, 31st August 2026 (Nokinketer News): The 24th Annual General Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Nagaland, on Monday reviewed a series of measures aimed at strengthening the welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, war widows and their dependents, with discussions focusing on employment, healthcare and institutional reforms.
The meeting, held at Lok Bhavan, was attended by Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, who is also the president of the Rajya Sainik Board, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, senior state government officials, representatives of the armed forces, Kendriya Sainik Board, Rajya Sainik Board and members of the ex-servicemen community.
Among the key issues discussed were strengthening the Rajya Sainik Board’s Corpus Fund, ensuring effective implementation of the 5% reservation for ex-servicemen in state government jobs, revision of financial assistance for World War II veterans, enhancement of benefits for gallantry award winners and ex-gratia assistance for defence personnel affected by fatal and serious casualties.
The board also deliberated on setting up Zila Sainik Boards or Zila Sainik Welfare Offices in Mon and Tuensang districts to improve access to welfare services for veterans living in remote areas. Recruitment to vacant posts in the Rajya Sainik Board and district welfare offices was also discussed to address manpower shortages.
A memorandum submitted by the Ex-Servicemen League, Nagaland, came up for discussion during the meeting. It highlighted issues including vacancies in the Rajya Sainik Board, implementation of job reservations, regular conduct of board meetings, empanelment of hospitals under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), recruitment to the Naga Regiment, formation of an additional battalion and the need for a Tri-Services Coordination Committee.
The lack of empanelled private hospitals under the ECHS in Nagaland received particular attention, with members stressing the need to expedite the empanelment process to improve access to specialised healthcare for veterans and their families.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Yadav said the annual meeting was not merely a review of welfare schemes but a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to those who had served the country. He said ex-servicemen should be recognised not only as beneficiaries of welfare measures but also as valuable contributors to society because of their discipline, leadership and experience.
He also called for greater coordination among the Rajya Sainik Board, district administrations, military authorities and ex-servicemen associations to ensure timely delivery of healthcare, education, employment and financial assistance. Emphasising support for Veer Naris, Veer Matas and families of fallen soldiers, Yadav said caring for them was a collective responsibility and a lasting expression of gratitude.
Chief Minister Rio said the welfare of soldiers should continue well beyond retirement, noting that defence personnel retire at a relatively young age and possess skills that can significantly contribute to society and the state’s development. Referring to the bravery displayed during Operation Sindoor and recalling the sacrifice of Kargil War hero Capt N Kenguruse, Rio expressed hope that more Naga youth would be inspired to join the armed forces.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the Rajya Sainik Board’s Corpus Fund and ensuring effective implementation of the long-standing 5% reservation for ex-servicemen in Group C and D government posts, acknowledging that implementation had remained inconsistent across departments.
The meeting was chaired by Rajya Sainik Board director, Retd Capt (IN) Lalsuonglien Tonsing.
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