Photo Courtesy: nenow
Kohima: Nagaland officials gathered at Lok Bhavan in Kohima this Monday for the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board. Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and top military representatives met to review resettlement and rehabilitation for veterans, Veer Naris, widows, and their dependents.
The board tackled a long list of logistical hurdles. Members pushed for faster empanelment of private hospitals under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, citing the lack of specialized care for Nagaland veterans. They also debated plans to open Zila Sainik Welfare Offices in Mon and Tuensang. Filling persistent manpower shortages across the board remains a top priority.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen highlighted a long-standing failure to enforce the 5 percent job reservation policy for ex-servicemen in Group C and D posts, which has stalled since 1994. The state now aims to improve enforcement and boost recruitment efforts, including potential new battalions for the Naga Regiment.
Governor Yadav addressed the attendees, underscoring the state's duty to those who served. He noted, “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.”
Chief Minister Rio argued that veterans bring essential discipline and leadership to society. He pressed for more effective grievance redressal, timely pension access, and better education support for military families. The board also discussed forming a Tri-Services Coordination Committee to manage skill development and education policies for Naga youth and retired personnel.
Updated at 1st September 2026 at 10:00am
The board also reviewed several fiscal measures, including plans to beef up the Rajya Sainik Board Corpus Fund. Officials assessed proposals to hike assistance for World War-II veterans and finalize a revision of benefits for gallantry awardees. The agenda further included a push to adjust ex-gratia payouts for defense personnel and their families affected by fatal or serious duty-related casualties.
Chief Minister Rio pointed to the legacy of local soldiers like the late Captain Kenguruse during the Kargil War and Operation Sindoor, hoping such history serves as a recruitment driver for Naga youth. He also called for greater integration of technology and digital access to streamline services for the veteran community.
The meeting, chaired by Director of RSB Nagaland, retired Captain Lalsuonglien Tonsing, featured a vote of thanks from Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha. Participants also noted the need to extend better care for elderly veterans residing in the state's more remote pockets.
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