The Nagaland Government has acknowledged implementation bottlenecks in the 5% reservation for ex-servicemen in Group C and D posts, with the Chief Secretary saying efforts will be made to ensure the provision is implemented effectively across departments.
The issue was discussed at the 24th Annual Meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Nagaland, held at Lok Bhavan, Kohima on Monday.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen said the reservation policy has been in place since 1994, but its implementation across government departments has faced bottlenecks, resulting in limited opportunities for eligible ex-servicemen.
He said the government would work with concerned departments to ensure effective implementation of the reservation policy and create greater opportunities for ex-servicemen to pursue second careers in public service.
The meeting also discussed the absence of empanelled private hospitals in Nagaland under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), which the Board said has been causing difficulties for veterans and their dependents requiring specialised medical treatment.
The Board emphasised the need to facilitate and expedite the empanelment of eligible hospitals within the State.
Another proposal discussed was the creation of Zila Sainik Boards or Zila Sainik Welfare Offices in Mon and Tuensang districts, citing the increasing number of ex-servicemen in the areas and geographical and transportation difficulties in accessing welfare services.
The meeting also discussed manpower shortages in the Rajya Sainik Board and Zila Sainik Welfare Offices, with expediting recruitment against vacant posts identified as necessary to improve delivery of welfare services.
On the financial side, the State Government is examining a proposal to further enhance its contribution to the RSB Corpus Fund, according to the Chief Secretary. The fund was discussed in view of the growing welfare requirements of ex-servicemen and their families.
The meeting further deliberated on revision of financial assistance for surviving World War-II veterans, enhancement of benefits for gallantry awardees and revision of ex-gratia assistance for defence personnel and others affected by fatal and serious casualties.
The Ex-Servicemen League, Nagaland also submitted a memorandum to the Governor, raising issues including vacancies in the Rajya Sainik Board, implementation of reservation in State Government jobs, regular conduct of RSB meetings, ECHS hospital empanelment, recruitment in the Naga Regiment and formation of an additional battalion, as well as the need for a functional Tri-Services Coordination Committee.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and dependents should remain a priority, stressing the need for timely access to pension and welfare benefits, healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
He also recalled the bravery of late Captain Kenguruse during the Kargil War and expressed hope that such examples would encourage more Naga youth to join the Armed Forces.
The meeting was attended by Governor and President of the Rajya Sainik Board Nand Kishore Yadav, Rio, senior State Government and Armed Forces officials, representatives of the Kendriya Sainik Board and members of the ex-servicemen community.