Tura, Dec 9: Meghalaya government is committed to working together with the Sainik Welfare Departments to strengthen and support the different initiatives taken by them for the welfare of the Ex-Servicemen, assured Sosthenes Sohtun, Meghalaya Minister, General Administration Department, while inaugurating a two-day rally for Ex-Servicemen at Tura SMELC complex in Dakopgre on Monday morning.
The programme is being organised by HQ 101 Area, Assam Regiment Centre and the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, supported by the Ex-servicemen (ESM) Associations of Tikrikilla, Garobadha, Tura and Ampati.
Besides minister Sosthenes Sohtun, Lt. Gen. Mohit Wadhwa, SM, GOC 101 Area also attended the event as the guest of honour along side C.P. Marak, Chairperson of Meghalaya Lokayukta and Col. Darryl Hopkins (Retd), Director of Sainik Welfare, Maghalaya.
Addressing the gathering, Sosthenes Sohtun, expressed his gratitude for the services rendered by the members of the armed forces and said that the day’s programme is a reminder of the collective responsibility to honour, support and uplift those who have dedicated much to the service of the country. The minister also lauded the work done by the Department of Sainik Welfare and the Zila Sainik Welfare offices towards the welfare of veterans and their families. He assured the Government’s commitment to work together with the Sainik Welfare Departments to strengthen and support the different initiatives taken by them.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. Mohit Wadhwa, SM, GOC 101 Area, expressed gratitude towards the veterans for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice in their service to the country. He also exhorted the gathering of Ex-servicemen to make full use of the different facilities that have been setup for their wellbeing.
Col. Darryl Hopkins (Retd), Director Sainik Welfare, Meghalaya, highlighted the different initiatives being taken up for the welfare of the ESM community. ‘This programme reflects the State Government’s continued effort to ensure that every veteran in the State receives the support, care and the recognition they truly deserve. From welfare assistance to health support and rehabilitation initiatives, the State Government is committed to strengthening the system that safeguards the wellbeing of all the ESM’, he said.
He also said that the Government is actively considering the setting up of an integrated Guest House Facility which will house the Zila Sainik Welfare Office along with CSD facility and Chest Clinic.
‘All these initiatives reflect our collective commitment for the wellbeing of our veterans’, he added.
Hundreds from the ESM community attended today’s outreach programme. Welfare activities in the venue include medical facilities with specialists from the military hospitals, CSD mobile counter to facilitate easy access to essential goods, Pension Redress Cells or SPARSH counters to resolve issues related to pensions and a Legal-aid clinic. An Army recruitment Cell was also set up at the venue.
During the event the Chief Guest and the other dignitaries also felicitated Veer Naris and veterans for their dedicated services.
