No.563/2021-2022
Aizawl, the 24th March 2022: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati convened the 17th meeting of the Mizoram Rajya Sainik Board at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan today. Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga as one of its Vice Presidents, other members and special invitees attended the meeting. The Mizoram Rajya Sainik Board (MRSB), under normal circumstances usually held once every year to deliberate on the welfare of ex-servicemen, was last held on September 5, 2018.

As the president and chairman of the meeting, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati welcomed the Board member and special invitees to the meeting. In his welcome address, the Governor highlighted some of the achievements made between the last meeting and the meeting today. He informed the meeting that:

The Government of Mizoram has enhanced the amount of gratuity given to World War II Veterans & Widows from Rs.1200 & Rs.1000 to Rs.2400 & Rs.2000 respectively, with effect from 1st April 2019. At present, there are 33 Veterans and 369 Widows. The amount of gratuity given to 6 disbanded personnel of the 2nd Assam Regiment has also been enhanced from Rs.1200 to Rs.2400. financial assistance for medical treatment, amounting to Rs.2,25,500 was given to 55 Ex-Servicemen & Widows. The financial assistance due to loss or damage from natural calamities, amounting to Rs.92,000 was also given to 9 Ex-Servicemen & Widows. The Ex-servicemen reunion was also held at the AR Ground. Two brave soldiers from Mizoram, namely Subedar K Laldingliana and Havildar Laltlanzova, have been decorated with Sena Medal for their act of valour in operation Rakshak. A cash award of Rs. 3,00,000 each have been awarded in recognition of their selfless sacrifice.

After the reaction from Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga to confirm the relevant points of the minutes of the sixteenth meeting of the MRSB held on 05 September 2018, the meeting proceeded to deliberate on the agenda points for the 18th MRSB. Enhancement of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Healthcare Schemes rate for NE States/Mizoram, proposal to raise battalion from Ex-Servicemen waiting in the wings for assisting Border security forces, filling up of vacant posts and creation of new posts, allotment of land for office accommodation, allotment of land for construction of new war memorial, reservation for ex-servicemen in the department of NCC, construction of Sainik Rest Houses, purchases of vehicles for Department of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement and other businesses were in the agenda at this meeting.

On the responsibilities of the state government, Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga agreed to explore all the possible options to accommodate the essential requirements that are being discussed in the meeting for the welfare of the ex-servicemen in Mizoram. He also welcomed Srg Lt Cdr Lalnuntluanga, Director and his colleagues of the Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Department to come forward to him with details on their specific requirements at a convenient time.

From the Central Government side, Maj General Pawalpal Singh, GOC, 41 Sub Area and Brig Vinod S, SM, VSM, Director, Resettlement Zone(east), Kolkata responded to the queries. On, behalf of the Ex-Servicemen they also requested the Chief Minister to have special consideration for the Ex-Servicemen and their families when it comes to job opportunities under the state government as per the existing guidelines.

Among the 31 MRSB members, Home Minister Pu Lalchamliana, Chief Secretary Dr Renu Sharma, Pu Devesh Chandra Srivastava, DGP, Pu H.Lalengmawia, Home Commissioner & Secretary, Pu K.Lalthawmmawia, Secretary, DP&AR, Brig Digvijay Singh, SM, Sector Commander, 23 AR, top officials, leaders of the Mizoram Ex-Service League attended the meeting.

After the conclusion of the meeting, Governor Hari Babu convened the 29th meeting of Mizoram State Managing Committee on Amalgamated Special Fund for Reconstruction & Rehabilitation of Ex-Servicemen to discuss the financial progress of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement.