Reservation policy of jobs for ex-servicemen not uniformly implemented

Dear Editor,  

Greetings of the Day!         

Apropos the news report published in Eastern Mirror regarding the 24th Annual Meeting of the Nagaland Rajya Sainik Board held on 31 Aug 26. The issues discussed during the meeting have existed for a long time without any tangible move forward. A memorandum on almost all the agenda points was also submitted to the GOC 3 Corps in October 2025 by the Nagaland Ex-Servicemen League for onward submission to the state government for redressal. The Reservation policy of Jobs for Ex-servicemen in the state government was laid down in 1994, however, the same has not being uniformly implemented. The Zila Sainik Adhikari Offices are already understaffed due to which progress on ex-servicemen problems is tardy. However, appointment of Zila Sainik Adhikari at Mon and Tuensang is a welcome step and would provide succour to the ex-servicemen residing in the remote districts of Eastern Nagaland who have to travel long distances to settle their problems. Empanelment of Hospitals in Nagaland by ECHS is a dire necessity as the ex-servicemen beneficiaries have to travel long distances to Assam to avail medical treatment. The monetary allowances in Nagaland for recipients of Gallantry Awards need upward revision. There are many recipients of gallantry awards in Nagaland, the notable being Captain N Kenugruse and Subedar Imliakum Ao who have been awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second highest gallantry award. Recognition of their bravery will motivate the youth to join the Armed Forces in greater numbers.

It is expected that the state government will act favourably on the agenda points for the welfare of ex-servicemen of Nagaland which is not only its duty but its 'moral obligation' towards its soldiers who have sacrificed immensely in guarding our country. 

Colonel Prakash Bhatt (Retd) 

 Noida

 (The letter is in the personal capacity of the veteran who has served extensively in Nagaland)