Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav calls veterans’ welfare a moral obligation, urging stronger healthcare, employment and family support
KOHIMA — Governor of Nagaland and President of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Nand Kishore Yadav on Monday said the welfare of veterans and their families was not merely an administrative responsibility but a “moral obligation” towards those who had devoted their lives to the service and security of the nation.
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Addressing the 24th annual meeting of RSB at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, Yadav said the gathering was more than a review of schemes and programmes, describing it as a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to honour and support those who had served.
He said the RSB served as a vital link between the Armed Forces, government and veteran community by facilitating welfare measures, addressing grievances and ensuring timely support to ex-servicemen and their families.
Yadav stressed that the responsibility towards soldiers did not end with active service and that retirement should mark a smooth, dignified and secure transition to civilian life.
He said ex-servicemen should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of welfare schemes but as a valuable national resource, with their discipline, leadership, courage and resilience remaining important assets to society.
The governor called for greater attention to Veer Naris, Veer Matas and families of fallen soldiers, stating that their sacrifices carried a lifelong emotional and personal cost. Supporting such families, he said, was not only a welfare measure but also an expression of collective gratitude.
He called for welfare benefits, healthcare, education, employment and other assistance to reach veterans and their families promptly and effectively.
Stronger coordination among the RSB, Zila Sainik Boards, district administrations, government departments, military authorities and ex-servicemen associations was necessary, he said.
Yadav also called for welfare measures to evolve with the changing needs of veterans, particularly in healthcare, employment, financial security and digital access. Special attention, he said, should be given to elderly veterans and families living in remote areas.
Greater use of technology and responsive grievance mechanisms could improve accessibility, transparency and timely delivery of services, he added.
“The security of a nation is measured not only by the strength of its borders but also by how it honours those who defended them,” Yadav said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the security and defence of the country was essential for national development and the welfare of the people.
He said sophisticated defence equipment alone could not safeguard the nation if the skill and morale of the armed forces were low. One way of boosting the morale of defence personnel, he added, was to respect them and look after their welfare during and after service.
Rio pointed out that soldiers retired at a relatively young age to maintain a young and fighting-fit force. Many were yet to settle in life while carrying responsibility for their families and young children, making welfare and resettlement of retired personnel particularly important.
He reminded that ex-servicemen had many productive years ahead of them and their experience, discipline, leadership and skills could contribute significantly to society. The government should therefore ensure their meaningful rehabilitation, employment and participation in the development of the state, he said.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Rio said the morale and commitment of the country’s soldiers had remained strong, while recalling the sacrifice of late Captain N Kenguruse during the Kargil War.
He asserted that the Army’s efforts to keep alive Kenguruse’s memory could inspire more Naga youth to join the armed forces. Serving in the defence forces, he added, was an area where Nagas could perform well and make a mark.
Rio said the state government remained committed to strengthening the institutional framework for Sainik Welfare and ensuring timely access to pensions, healthcare, education, employment and self-employment opportunities for ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and dependents.