Pension, healthcare of ex-servicemen & widows in focus

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma along with Director of Directorate of Sainik Welfare Board, Gautam Rai and other officials discussed on issues relating to the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows of jawans, at the annual Rajya Sainik Board held on Wednesday.
Speaking to a section of the media after the meeting, the chief minister said, “Many issues regarding ex-servicemen were discussed today, about 18 agendas such as issues relating to pension, office set-up, health facilities to them and all these were taken up.”
Construction of Sainik Rest House was one of the issues raised by the Director of Directorate of Sainik Welfare Board.
“The budget estimate by Chief Engineer (Buildings) has been prepared and forwarded to the General Administration Department for approval as well as sanction of the budget,” Sangma said.
He said the Zila Sainik Board office for Tura to cater for all the five districts of Garo Hills was also discussed.
Rai said the raising of the Ecological Battalion is being pursued vigorously by the Forest Department as well as establishing a Sainik School in Jaintia Hills is also being discussed.
Five welfare organiser posts for Nongpoh, Nongstoin, Baghmara, Williamnagar and Jowai are also being approved by the state government towards the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows and their dependents at the earliest.