NAHARLAGUN, Nov 25: The Ex-Servicemen Association of Arunachal Pradesh (ESMAAP) has expressed concern over non-establishment of a Directorate of Sainik Welfare Board & Rajya Sainik Board in the state.
Addressing the annual general meeting of the ESMAAP at Naharlagun on Saturday, its president, Wing Commander (Retired) Gyati Kago said that non-establishment of the Board is hampering the activities related to pension and other beneficial schemes for the ESMs, Veer Naries and their NoKs (Next of Kin).
Informing that the state government in-principle had agreed to establish the Sanik Board, Kago, however, hoped that the present government would take necessary steps for early formation of the Board.
ESMAAP Vice President, Lt Col Bruce Jilee (retired) and Secretary ESMAAP, Captain Mimar Ete (retired) spoke on various issues and grievances related to pension and other beneficial schemes for the ESMs, Veer Naries and their NoKs.
Earlier, two minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect to Ashok Chakra, Havildar Hangpan Dada and other martyrs. All the veterans, Veer Naries and their families from far flung areas of the state took part in the meeting.
The ESMAAP, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority also organized a legal awareness programme for veterans, Veer Naries and their families to mark the occasion.
It was also decided to conduct a para legal volunteers’ training programme for ex-servicemen at Itanagar, Khonsa, Bomdila and Tawang.
