The 16th Mizoram Rajya Sainik Board meeting was held at Raj Bhavan today. Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram Shri Kummanam Rajasekharan, also President of the Board presided the meeting. 

In his inaugural address, Shri Kummanam Rajasekharan said that the Mizoram Rajya Sainik Board has carried out a number of welfare activities after last year’s meeting with far reaching and positive outcomes. He said that the Government of Mizoram has enhanced the amount of Ex-gratia grants to the dependents of service personnel killed or disabled in action. He stated that World War II veterans and widows numbering 565 have been given a total of Rs. 97,09,000/- as gratuity, while the donations collected during the Armed Forces Flag Day 2017 have been disbursed to 39 needy Ex-Servicemen and widows. He said that girl cadets have been admitted from 2018-19 sessions in Sainik School Chhingchhip to be the first in the country. He stated that the 2 Polyclinics established in Mizoram under Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has a membership of 5801 till date. The Governor suggested that the Board should meet more often with all stakeholders onboard to review the progress on the outcome of the meeting. 

During the meeting, the members confirmed the minutes of the 15th Mizoram Rajya Sainik Board meeting held on July 5, 2017 and reviewed the progress of action taken on the minutes. The meeting deliberated on enhancing the rates under Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to meet the local rates and so that more hospitals and private institutions may be willing to empanel under ECHS. It was highlighted that Kendriya Sainik Board, Government of India has formally approved opening of district offices at Champhai and Kolasib district. It also discussed on filling up of vacant posts under Department of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement. It was also mentioned only about 1500 have applied for the upcoming recruitment rally scheduled for 3-6th October, 2018. The members urged the civil authorities to encourage and motivate the youth to join the army. Meanwhile, Assam Rifles having the largest spread in the State, has offered to help candidates apply for the rally. 

After the Mizoram Rajya Sainik Board meeting, the Mizoram State Managing Committee sat together under its Chairman Shri Kummanam Rajasekharan. The Member Secretary Surg Lt Cdr (Retd.) Lalnuntluanga, Director of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement department presented a report on the Committee’s activity during the preceding year. Meanwhile, the meeting confirmed the minutes of the last meeting held on July 5, 2017. It also deliberated on the fund position of Amalgamated Special Fund for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of ESM.   

Lok Sabha MP Shri CL Ruala, Lt. Col. ZS Zuala, Shri Hmingdailova Khiangte, State government and military officials attended the meeting.