Itanagar, Apr 26: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd.), participated in the Ex-Servicemen Rally at Likabali Military Station, Likabali, on Sunday. He addressed Ex-Servicemen and Veer Naris and  acknowledged their immense sacrifices and continued contribution to nation-building.
The Governor commended the Ex-Servicemen for their dedicated and distinguished service to the nation, acknowledging their sacrifices, discipline and unwavering commitment in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security. He said the nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to its veterans, whose experience and patriotism remains a valuable national asset.
Highlighting the need to address the challenges faced by personnel who retire early below officer rank, Parnaik stressed the importance of meaningful rehabilitation, resettlement and livelihood opportunities. He underscored that the Government of India’s provisions for reservation of vacancies for Ex-Servicemen must be implemented in letter and spirit to ensure justice and dignity for veterans.
Strongly advocating for the welfare of Veer Naris, Parnaik called for greater societal respect, institutional support and compassionate outreach for the brave spouses of fallen heroes. He emphasized the need to safeguard their pension rights, ensure quality education for their children, and strengthen access to medical assistance and welfare support.
The Governor also urged the State Government to introduce stronger provisions for Ex-Servicemen welfare, including cash incentives and land allotment for decorated personnel, while ensuring smooth disbursement of gratuity and welfare funds. He further called for enhanced job reservations in civil offices and robust medical support through the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
Describing Ex-Servicemen as disciplined, skilled and mission-oriented human resources, the Governor said their expertise should be meaningfully utilized in sectors such as the Ecological Territorial Army, Fire and Emergency Services, Police Services and as community motivators. He stressed that the State must extend all eligible benefits to veterans and harness their experience in nation-building and public service.
GOC, 56 Infantry Division, Major General Bakshi, and Director-cum-Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Arunachal Pradesh, Air Commodore Rinchin Dorji Musabi (Retd.), also addressed the gathering, highlighting various welfare schemes, rehabilitation measures and ongoing initiatives for the benefit of Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris and their families.
The Governor, along with Member of the State Legislative Assembly (Mebo), Shri Oken Tayeng, and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 56 Infantry Division, Major General Vivek Bakshi, YSM, felicitated Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, Next of Kin (NOKs) and dependents, recognizing their service, resilience and achievements on the occasion.
Later, the Governor, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding and other dignitaries visited the service counters set up as part of the Ex-Servicemen Rally, including health check-ups, dental care, PAN and Aadhaar facilitation, SBI bank account opening, and Ex-Servicemen welfare information desks. He also interacted with Ex-Servicemen and their family members, listening to their concerns and guiding officials to address several issues on the spot.
In a touching gesture of care and solidarity, the Governor also handed over wheelchairs to immobile Ex-Servicemen, reaffirming the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to the welfare, dignity and well-being of veterans.
More than 1,300 Ex-Servicemen and Veer Naris from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam participated in the rally, making it a significant gathering of veterans and war widows united in service, solidarity and shared purpose.
The mega Veterans Rally was organized by Spearhead Division (56 Infantry Div), under the aegis  Spear corps (4 Corps, Tezpur) of Indian Army in close coordination with the State and District Administrations of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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