CM attends ‘Ex-Servicemen Milan’, records State’s commitment for welfare of ex-servicemen

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Vir Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association on Monday held a special programme ‘Ex-Servicemen Milan’ at Chintan Bhawan to honour the contributions of the retired servicemen.

Chief Minister PS Golay was the chief guest for the event also attended by Agriculture minister LN Sharma, All India Vir Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association president Col. RS Chettri, dignitaries, and ex-servicemen of Sikkim.

In his address, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to all ex-servicemen and retired personnel for their selfless service for the nation. We need to imbibe the discipline, responsibility and dedication that our Defence personnel have to serve the nation and us under all circumstances, he observed.

Golay urged the ex-servicemen to support the State government in implementation of government programmes and policies, and to extend their expertise for the State’s development.

Regarding the 16-point demand submitted by the association, the Chief Minister announced that the State government, starting this year, will extend an annual grant-in-aid of Rs. 10 lakh to the Sikkim Vir Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association. He requested the association to submit a list of needy ex-servicemen for availing the Sikkim Garib Awash Yojana in a phase-wise manner.

The Chief Minister asked the association to scout for appropriate government land regarding its demand for a permanent office. Regarding other demands, he said there is a need for discussion with officials of concerned departments and assured that the genuine demands would be considered. He further assured all possible help and support to the ex-servicemen from the State government.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the need to motivate the youth to join the military force. He urged that senior secondary schools should incorporate motivational training for military recruitment, and encouraged at least one member from each family to consider joining the military. He assured the State Government's continuous support in this endeavour.

Association general secretary Hav (retd.) Bimal Thapa shared that the association has members from the Air Force, Navy, Army and paramilitary forces. As of now, we have 150 members but the association has been tirelessly working for the welfare of all the retired personnel which comes to about 5000 as of date, he said.

Sikkim Vir Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association was formed on December 1, 2019.

The programme was also addressed by the Agriculture minister, association president Pabitra Dahal and Col. RS Chettri.

Earlier, the association felicitated the Chief Minister, dignitaries, ex-servicemen and Veer Naris.