Raphael Warjri

A Mega Ex Servicemen (ESM) Rally will be organised by Headquarters 101 Area
, Indian Army and Rajya Sainik Board, Meghalaya at 58 Gorkha Training Center, Happy
Valley Shillong on 24 November 2023. The rally will be attended by hundreds of Ex
Servicemen, Veer Naris, World War II veterans and children hailing from
Meghalaya.The Ex-servicemen Rally is conducted every year in Shillong. The rally is
specially aimed at ex-servicemen, war veterans, disabled soldiers and war widows to
express solidarity and demonstrate that they remain inseparable members of the Armed
Forces fraternity even post retirement. Shri Rakkam A Sangma the Hon’ble GAD
Minister will be the Chief Guest for the event. Senior officers from the Armed Forces
and other civil dignitaries will also be attending the rally . This includes Lieutenant
General Sanjay Malik, General Officer Commanding 101 Area, Shri CVD Diengdoh,
IAS, Secretary GAD, Smt RM Kurbah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills
District.
During the Ex-servicemen Rally a one time grant of Rupees One lakh from
Meghalaya Chief Minister’s Special Grant will be presented to six World War II
Veterans/Veer Naris . In addition, ten gifts to Veer Naris and sixty gifts to ESMs will
also be presented.During the rally grievances of Ex Servicemen if any, will be resolved
in situ. A number of stalls from various welfare agencies and organisations of the Army
will be set up at the venue with a focus to resolve pension and entitlement related
problems being faced by the Veterans . A medical camp, fully staffed with Specialist
Doctors and medicines, will also be set up to address immediate health issues.
In addition, important policy letters received regarding various financial schemes
will be percolated including action taken during last one year by Zilla Sainik Welfare
Organisation, Shillong and Tura towards the welfare of ESM. The rally will provide an
interactive platform and mitigate issues related to pension, medical, healthcare, re-
employment and redressal of grievances.