GAD Minister chairs 25th meeting of Rajya Sainik Board

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 8, 2025

GAD Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Thursday chaired the 25^th meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board.

The minister congratulated the Directorate Sainik Welfare for its work towards ex-servicemen/widows’ welfare.

He stated that the government is keen to promote ESM welfare and use this valuable asset profitably for the state.

The secretary of the board Col Darryl Hopkins (retd) informed that several important decisions were taken by the government regarding various issues.

He said that the construction of Sainik Rest House cum Office Complex in Shillong is near completion and being executed by the PWD department adding that the appointment of Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Tura is under process by the state government.

Hopkins also informed that the establishment of Sainik Rest House, Tura and allied facilities as part of Integrated complex with Polyclinic with CSD outlet facilities at Tura is under active consideration by the state government for the welfare of the veterans of Garo hills.

The Secretary also added that posts of Welfare Organizers at Jowai and Baghmara have been sanctioned by the state government and under process of recruitment of ESM in order to address and resolve the issues pertaining to the veterans residing in these areas.

He said that the one time grants for Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards has been increased which is at par with other NE states and ex-gratia grant to NoK of Armed Forces personnel enhanced from existing amount of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

Induction of skilled technical ex-servicemen manpower in the state government jobs was also discussed during the meeting.

Further, Hopkins said that the education department is actively pursuing the case for establishment of Sainik School in Meghalaya under partnership mode with NGOs, trusts, private, state government schools. Schools may apply under the scheme whenever the web portal is reopened for inviting fresh applications.

The minister concluded the meeting with a message that the state government was deeply committed to the welfare of the ex-servicemen, widows and dependents of Meghalaya.