AssamGovernor Chairs 49th State Managing Committee Meeting on Ex-Servicemen WelfareCalls for stronger rehabilitation, grievance redressal and welfare measures

Dalim Phukan.
Hills Live News, Guwahati, September 14: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Monday chaired the 49th State Managing Committee Meeting for the administration of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund and the welfare and rehabilitation of ex-servicemen at the NABARD campus conference hall in Dispur.
The meeting reviewed various welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen and their dependents, with particular emphasis on rehabilitation, grievance redressal and improving access to welfare benefits.
Addressing the meeting, Governor Acharya said Assam has a glorious legacy of valour and patriotism, from Veer Lachit Barphukan to soldiers honoured with the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra. He said the State therefore has a natural responsibility to ensure that no martyr’s family, ex-serviceman or Veer Nari feels neglected or helpless.
Appreciating the efforts of the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam, under the leadership of Brigadier Polash Chowdhury, SM (Retd.), the Governor highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening veterans’ welfare and rehabilitation.
He particularly appreciated the initiative of utilising the experience and professional skills of ex-servicemen in developmental projects in seven Aspirational Districts and called for its expansion to all districts of the State.
The Governor also commended initiatives aimed at preparing young people for national service, including free SSB coaching for 14 UPSC-qualified candidates, pre-recruitment training for 190 youth in Silchar, and coaching for admission to Sainik School, Goalpara, and Military Schools.
Stressing the importance of time-bound grievance redressal, Acharya appreciated the organisation of more than 60 ex-servicemen rallies during the past year and the institutionalisation of the ‘Jan Sunwai’ mechanism. He welcomed the proposal to introduce a ‘Sainik Samvad’ tab and stressed the need for a simple and responsive system for resolving veterans’ grievances.
He also lauded the legal awareness camps organised in collaboration with the Armed Forces Tribunal, Guwahati Bench.
The Governor praised the construction of the ‘Hut of Remembrance’ at the State War Memorial, Dighalipukhuri, and the initiative to permanently display photographs and heroic stories of Assam’s Chakra-category gallantry award recipients at Guwahati Railway Station with the support of N.F. Railway.
He said such initiatives would help preserve the legacy of the martyrs and inspire the younger generation with the values of patriotism and sacrifice.
Highlighting the importance of digital governance, the Governor appreciated the launch of the ‘e-Prastuti’ web portal, which provides online access to welfare schemes, application forms and application status. He urged the Directorate to keep the portal updated and create greater awareness among veterans and their families regarding its use.
Describing the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund as a bridge of trust, respect and gratitude between soldiers and society, Acharya said the welfare and rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and their families must remain a collective responsibility.
He reaffirmed Lok Bhavan, Assam’s commitment to the honour, dignity and well-being of ex-servicemen and their families and called upon all concerned to ensure that no martyr’s family is left alone, no ex-serviceman feels neglected and no Veer Nari is deprived of assistance.
Brigadier Polash Chowdhury (Retd.), Director, Sainik Welfare, Assam, highlighted key measures undertaken to revitalise the Sainik Board and strengthen welfare services for veterans and their dependents.
The meeting was attended by Chief General Manager, NABARD, G. Ramesh Kumar; Air Marshal Anjan Kumar Gogoi; Lt Gen R.P. Kalita; Maj Gen A.K. Sharma, VSM, GOC 51 Sub Area; Cmde K.C. Choudhury; Air Cmde V.P. Singh; Secretary, Finance, Syed Isfaqur Rahman; Secretary, Home & Political Department, Nivedita Laskar; Additional Secretary, GAD, Omar Sharif; Joint Secretary, Governor’s Secretariat, Arindam Barua; a representative of the Kendriya Sainik Board; and senior officers of the Army and civil administration, among others.