Shillong (Meghalaya), Nov 24 : A Mega Ex Servicemen (ESM) Rally was organised by Headquarters 101 Area , Indian Army and Rajya Sainik Board, Meghalaya at 58 Gorkha Training Center, Happy Valley here, today. The rally was attended by hundreds of Ex Servicemen, Veer Naris,World War II veterans and children hailing from Meghalaya. The Ex-servicemen Rally is conducted every year in Shillong. The rally was specially aimed at ex-servicemen, war veterans, disabled soldiers and war widows to express solidarity and demonstrate that they remain inseparable members of the Armed Forces fraternity even post-retirement.
Rakkam A Sangma GAD Minister was the Chief Guest for the event. Senior officers from the Armed Forces and other civil dignitaries also attended the rally. This included Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, General Officer Commanding 101 Area, CVD Diengdoh, IAS, Secretary GAD, Smt RM Kurbah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills District.
In his address, Rakkam A Sangma thanked the veterans and their families for the services that they have rendered and hoped that they will continue to contribute to the society with the same vigour .
During the rally a onetime grant of Rupees One lakh from Meghalaya Chief Minister’s Special Grant was presented to six World War II Veterans/Veer Naris. In addition, ten gifts were distributed to Veer Naris and sixty gifts to ESMs were also presented. A number of stalls from various welfare agencies and organizations of the Army were set up at the venue with a focus to resolve pension and entitlement related problems being faced by the Veterans. Stalls of the CM Elevate and Prime initiatives of the State Government were also set up. These projects have been started by the CM of Meghalaya with a view for identifying and nurturing Start-ups and boost entrepreneurship in the State of Meghalaya. These have the potential to absorb many skilled service personnel who retire at an early age. This would not only contribute to the economic development of the state but also provide for financial elevation of the Ex-Service Men involved.
In a befitting gesture, the State government has increased in financial assistance to the Gallantry Awardees. A Mobile Poly Clinic at Tura has been made operational which will go a long way in the provision of medical assistance to the people of the region.
A medical camp, fully staffed with Specialist Doctors and medicines, was also set up to address immediate health issues. In addition, important policy letters received regarding various financial schemes will be percolated including action taken during last one year by Zilla Sainik Welfare Organisation, Shillong and Tura towards the welfare of ESM. The rally provided an interactive platform and mitigated issues related to pension, medical, healthcare, re-employment and redressal of grievances.
