It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Seventeenth Meeting of the Mizoram Rajya Sainik Board. As we all know, the last meeting was held on 5^th Sept 2018, and it is regretful to mention that RSB meeting could not be held in the successive years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the last meeting, some important points in regard to the welfare of the Ex-Servicemen and families of Mizoram were deliberated upon, and some important decisions were taken. Progress on these decisions will be further discussed in this meeting.

                        During the interim period, the Mizoram Rajya Sainik Board has carried out a number of welfare activities, some of which will undoubtedly have far reaching and positive outcomes.

                        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 1^st April 2019. At present, there are 33 Veterans and 369 Widows. The amount of gratuity given to 6 disbanded personnel of 2^nd Assam Regiment has also been enhanced from Rs.1200 to Rs.2400.

                        Besides the above, financial assistance for medical treatment, amounting to Rs.2,25,500 was given to 55 Ex-Servicemen & Widows. Financial assistance due to loss or damage from natural calamities, amounting to Rs.92,000 was also given to 9 Ex-Servicemen & Widows.

                        Armed Forces Flag Day was observed on 7^th December 2021, and donation amounting to Rs.42,530 was collected on that day. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, Fund drive collection from general public at large was not carried out. However, donations were collected from the Governor’s office, Chief Minister’s office, and few government offices.

                        The State level Celebration of Vijay Diwas-cum-Ex-Servicemen Re-Union was held on 16^th December 2021. Last year being the 50^th Anniversary of the Indo-Pak War (1971) victory, notionally termed as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’, celebration of the same was done in glorious and pompous deliverances. The wreath laying ceremony was held in the morning at Aizawl War Memorial, where myself, Chief Minister, Home Minister, and other high dignitaries of the State Government and military officials attended the function.

                        The Ex-servicemen re-union was also held at the AR Ground, Aizawl where the Home Minister and the Sector Commander of 23 Sector, Assam Rifles graced the function as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

                        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.

                        To conclude, I would like to thank every member of the Board present for sparing their valuable time to participate in this Meeting. I am certain that the deliberations today will go a long way in formulating concrete policies for the betterment of the Ex-servicemen fraternity in Mizoram. I wish the Meeting a great success.

                        Thank you.

                        JAI HIND