Assam Governor for welfare to ESM

Assam Governor for welfare to ex-servicemen
Posted on March 3rd, 2015                           

By NJ Thakuria

Guwahati: Assam Governor PB Acharya, who was recently sworn in as the constitutional head of  the State,  argues for proper welfare to the veteran soldiers and their families. Expressing gratitude to the ‘men in uniform’ for their sacrifices to the nation, Governor Acharya appreciates any initiative to help the ex-servicemen with their needy families.

Addressing a grand ex-servicemen rally at Narangi military station in Guwahati on  25 February   2015, the Governor also stressed on the need to spread awareness of various welfare schemes to all ex-servicemen residing in remote areas of the region.

While appreciating the initiative of the Army officials in northeast India, Governor Acharya commented that  such rallies should be held every year as ‘the country was indebted to the sacrifices by the soldiers and that any amount of help for their welfare was always welcome’.

The ex-servicemen rally, which was organized by 51 Sub Area on behalf of Headquarters 101 Area and Headquarter Eastern Command, also included a medical camp for the participants.    over  750 ex-servicemen and their dependents got themselves treated in the health camp, said a statement issued by defence public relation officer in the city.

The attendants received consultations from the experienced ophthalmologist, ENT specialist, dermatologist and dental surgeons.

The camp included various on the spot diagnostic facilities like electro cardio graph and other laboratory investigations.

Lt Gen SP Nawathe, general officer commanding of 101 Area in his welcome address declared that the welfare of retired soldiers was adopted as a priority task by Indian Army. He apprised the participants about the efforts of the Army with respect to various welfare schemes for ex-servicemen, disabled soldiers and Veer Naris (war widows).

Earlier another ex-servicemen rally with a Pension Adalat was organized under aegis of Red Horns Division of Gajraj Corps by Agia Brigade of Army at north Salmara in Bongaigaon of lower Assam. The  21 February rally covered five districts namely Dhubri, Goalpara, Kokrajhar, Chirang and Bongaigaon where senior Army and civil administration officials were present.

Over 1200 ex-servicemen with  their dependants and 14 war widows joined in the rally as it turned out to be a platform for the armed forces veterans to ameliorate their grievances with respect to post retirement benefits and entitlements.

A grievance and information cell was established to address the complaints of the ex-servicemen & war widows and to provide latest information on different welfare schemes & benefits available for them with their dependents.

Addressing the gathering, local legislator Bhupen Ray appreciated the contribution of war veterans in maintaining peace and harmony across the country. Brigadier Sushil Kumar Sharma, deputy general officer commanding of Red Horns Division in his address reiterated the solemn responsibility of the Army to take care of the veterans with their families.

A cultural show with Bihu and other folk dances, performed   by the students of Manikpur School, Shankardev Niketan, Navoday School and Shilarai Academy, and  also a skit by the members of environmental organization ‘Nirapatta’ (safety) were played to create awareness about the nature.