Shillong, Feb 27, 2020: The 22^nd Annual Rajya Sainik Board Meeting of Meghalaya on Thursday here . The meeting was chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma. Speaking on the occasion, Sangma congratulated the Directorate for its work towards Ex-servicemen and widows’ welfare. He stated that the Government is keen to promote ESM welfare and use this valuable asset profitably for the State. The other important dignitaries who attended the meeting were the GAD Minister Comingone Ymbon, Chief Secretary, M.S. Rao ,Vice Presidents, GOC 101 Area and  RV Suchiang, Additional Chief Secretary. Several other senior civil and Military Officers attended the meeting.

Raising of one Ecological Battalion from amongst ESM as well as local youth was also discussed. The Chief Minister directed the concerned Department to pursue the same vigorously. Establishment of Sainik School at Jaintia Hills was also discussed. The Education Deptt is actively pursuing the same. Reconnaissance at Raliang and Shangpung area, West Jaintia Hills have already been carried out. The detailed reports on the subject have also been submitted to the concerned Department for approval of the Government.

The Director informed the members that creation of two Welfare Organisers for Jowai and Baghmara have already been taken up with the State Govt. The same is under consideration. The Chief Minister directed the concerned Department to expedite the same towards welfare of Ex-servicemen, widows and their dependents. The Chief Minister stated that the Govt was deeply committed to the welfare of the Ex­servicemen, widows and dependents of the State. Several other vital issues were discussed pertaining to the welfare of the Ex-servicemen and war widows of the State.

The Secretary of the Board Col Gautam Kumar Rai (Retd) stated that several important decisions were taken by Government regarding various issues, such as,  The construction of Sainik Rest House (SRH) with CSD facilities and amenities for the veterans including ECHS facilities is under active consideration by the State Government and will start construction on receipt the approval of the Government Budget estimate for Rs. 4.87 Crores for Sainik Rest House, Shillong has been prepared by PWD and has been submitted to the Government for Administrative approval. Sainik Rest House for Tura is also under active consideration.

(The Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) for Tura to cater for veterans of all the five districts of Garo Hills has already been established and is fully functional.

On behalf of all Ex­servicemen and widows, the Director conveys gratitude to the Chief Minister and President of Rajya Sainik Board, Meghalaya for his positive outlook towards the welfare of Ex-servicemen, widows and their dependents of the State. The Director also informed the members that the approval of Service Rules of the Directorate Sainik Welfare is still pending with the concerned Deptt. The Chief Minister directed concerned Department to take action for approval of the Service Rules without further delay for the smooth functioning of the offices