KHONSA, SEP 16:

A Sainik Bandhu Meeting was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Khonsa, on Wednesday to discuss the welfare and rehabilitation concerns of ex-servicemen and their families in Tirap district.

The meeting was chaired by Tirap Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, Zila Sainik Board Badonlum Tawsik and attended by representatives of the armed forces, Assam Rifles, district administration, State Bank of India and the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association (ESWA), besides Veer Naris, widows and dependents of ex-servicemen.

Among those present were Bhairav Battalion OC Lt Commandant Kulbhusan Sharma, 44 Assam Rifles Deputy Commandant Jai Bhagwan, Khonsa Deputy Superintendent of Police Padi Payang, State Bank of India Branch Manager Raj Basumatary, DDMO Emily Tingkhatra and ESWA Khonsa Secretary Sub Ngoman Nokbi (Retd).

The meeting provided a platform for ex-servicemen and their families to raise concerns and discuss measures to improve access to welfare benefits and livelihood opportunities. ESWA, Tirap district, highlighted the need for supporting staff at the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Office, land allotment for livelihood activities, better access to welfare schemes, reservation of seats for children of ex-servicemen in educational institutions and employment of eligible ex-servicemen as security personnel in schools, banks and other institutions.

Representatives of the armed forces, 44 Assam Rifles and State Bank of India apprised participants of various welfare schemes, facilities, eligibility criteria and procedures available to ex-servicemen and their families.

The DC assured the participants that the district administration would address genuine concerns with sensitivity and promptness. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among departments to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits due to them.

He also said the experience, discipline and skills acquired by ex-servicemen constitute a valuable resource and would be meaningfully utilised whenever required in the service of the district.

The meeting concluded with an open-house discussion during which participants shared further suggestions concerning welfare and rehabilitation. (DIPR)