Guwahati, 14 September (H.S.): 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 welfare and rehabilitation of ex-servicemen at the NABARD campus in Dispur.

The meeting reviewed various welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen and their dependents, with emphasis on rehabilitation, time-bound grievance redressal and improving access to welfare benefits.

Addressing the meeting, Acharya said Assam has a glorious legacy of valour and patriotism, from Lachit Barphukan to soldiers honoured with the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra. He said the state has a responsibility to ensure that no martyr’s family, ex-serviceman or Veer Nari feels neglected or helpless.

The Governor appreciated the initiatives of the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam, under Brigadier Polash Chowdhury (Retd.), including the utilisation of ex-servicemen’s professional experience in developmental projects in seven Aspirational Districts. He called for expanding the initiative to all districts.

Acharya also lauded free SSB coaching for 14 UPSC-qualified candidates, pre-recruitment training for 190 youths in Silchar and coaching initiatives for admission to Sainik School, Goalpara and Military Schools.

The Governor 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 proposed ‘Sainik Samvad’ tab and stressed the need for a simple and responsive grievance-redressal system.

He also highlighted the ‘Hut of Remembrance’ at the State War Memorial in 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 NF Railway.

Emphasising digital governance, Acharya appreciated the launch of the ‘e-Prastuti’ web portal, which enables veterans and their families to access welfare schemes, application forms and application status online. He urged the Directorate to keep the portal updated and create greater awareness about its use.

Describing the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund as a bridge of trust, respect and gratitude between soldiers and society, the Governor reaffirmed Lok Bhavan’s commitment to the dignity and well-being of ex-servicemen and their families.

Brigadier Polash Chowdhury (Retd.), Director, Sainik Welfare, Assam, highlighted measures undertaken to revitalise the Sainik Board and strengthen welfare services for veterans and their dependents. The meeting was attended by senior military and civil administration officials, including Air Marshal Anjan Kumar Gogoi, Lt Gen RP Kalita, Maj Gen AK Sharma, Cmde KC Choudhury, Air Cmde VP Singh, NABARD Chief General Manager G Ramesh Kumar and senior officials of the state government.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash