Gangtok, July 26 (IPR): On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, inaugurated the newly constructed Rajya Sainik Board Office-cum-Sainik Rest House, established with the support of the Government of Sikkim, at the premises of the Rajya Sainik Board today.
The programme was attended by the Minister for Buildings and Housing and Labour Department, Mr Bhim Hang Limboo, MLA-cum-Advisor for Urban Development and Food and Civil Supplies Department, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, and MLA-cum-Advisor for Buildings and Housing Department, Mr Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister toured the newly inaugurated Rajya Sainik Board Office, Sainik Rest House and the commercial shops. During the visit, officials from the Buildings and Housing Department briefed him on the planning, construction and key features of the project.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, said the inauguration of the Rajya Sainik Board Office-cum-Sainik Rest House on Kargil Vijay Diwas was a tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War. Paying homage to the martyrs, he expressed his condolences to their families and extended his greetings to the Indian Armed Forces. He said their courage, sacrifice, discipline and patriotism continue to inspire people across the country. He added that the Armed Forces, guided by the principle of "Nation First, Self and Family Later", ensure that the people of India live in peace, security and dignity.
Mr Prem Singh Tamang said the Indian Army not only protects the nation's borders but also plays an important role during natural disasters and other emergencies. He said ex-servicemen continue to serve society with the same dedication even after retirement and encouraged the younger generation to learn from their discipline, leadership, humility and selfless service. He also urged veterans to continue guiding young people and motivating them to serve the nation.
Describing the newly inaugurated Rajya Sainik Board Office-cum-Sainik Rest House as a symbol of the State Government's gratitude towards ex-servicemen, Mr Prem Singh Tamang said the facility had been established as a dedicated centre for services related to pensions, healthcare, education and employment. He added that the Sainik Rest House would provide comfortable accommodation for veterans visiting Gangtok from across the State. He said the facility would also serve as a welcoming place for serving personnel, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and the families of martyrs.
Highlighting the Government's initiatives for youth, Mr Prem Singh Tamang said the State had provided 20 per cent reservation for Agniveers completing four years of service in recruitment to the Sikkim Police Constable and Forest Guard posts. He said the decision recognised the discipline, leadership and skills gained through military service.
Reaffirming the Government's commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen, Mr Prem Singh Tamang said financial assistance had been provided to the Rajya Sainik Board and district-level ex-servicemen associations across all six districts of the State. On the occasion, he announced the names of the eleven beneficiaries from the ex-servicemen community selected for the allotment of the newly constructed commercial shops. He said the initiative reflected the Government's continued commitment to improving the welfare and livelihood of veterans and their families. He assured that the Government would continue supporting ex-servicemen and their families through various welfare measures, employment opportunities and infrastructure development.
Mr Prem Singh Tamang appreciated the Buildings and Housing Department, the Chief Secretary, the Home Department, senior Government officials and everyone associated with the successful completion of the project. He also commended the Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Colonel Vijay Bansnett (Retd.), for his hard work in coordinating the project and promoting the welfare of ex-servicemen.
Dedicating the Rajya Sainik Board Office-cum-Sainik Rest House to the service of ex-servicemen and their families, Mr Prem Singh Tamang expressed confidence that the facility would further strengthen the State's welfare initiatives. Extending his Kargil Vijay Diwas greetings to serving personnel, ex-servicemen and their families, he urged every citizen to uphold the values of patriotism, discipline and selfless service shown by the Indian Armed Forces.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by the Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Colonel Vijay Bansnett (Retd.), who highlighted the importance of the newly established facility in improving welfare services for ex-servicemen and their families across the State.
During the programme, the Rajya Sainik Board Digitisation Project was officially launched to make services for ex-servicemen more efficient and accessible across Sikkim.
The Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, was felicitated by the Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Colonel Vijay Bansnett (Retd.), on behalf of the Rajya Sainik Board in recognition of the State Government's continued support for the welfare of ex-servicemen.
The following former Secretaries of the Rajya Sainik Board were felicitated in recognition of their distinguished service and valuable contribution to the welfare of ex-servicemen and the nation:
1. Major P.S. Rai, 11 GR, Housing Colony, 5th Mile, Tadong.
2. Lieutenant Colonel Padam Bahadur Gurung, Kumaon Regiment, PNS House, below Little Pixies School, Development Area, Gangtok.
3. Colonel D.N. Bhutia, Artillery, Gyalshing, near Hospital.
The following former Welfare Organisers were also felicitated in recognition of their dedicated service and valuable contribution to the welfare of ex-servicemen:
1. Subedar Dawa Zanpo Lepcha, INT, Bhai School Road, Tadong, Gangtok.
2. Subedar Bir Singh Gurung, 3 GR, Dalapchand, P.O. Rongli, Pakyong.
3. Subedar Tashi Dorjee Bhutia, 64 Engg. Regt., Byang Busty, P.O. Byang, Gangtok.
4. Subedar Padam Bahadur Gurung, 8 GR, Changelakha, Rongli, Pakyong.
5. Subedar Jai Bahadur Rai, 11 GR, Namchi, Naya Bazar Kopchey.
The programme was attended by the Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Deputy Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Councillors, Chairpersons, APS, Gangtok District, Chief Secretary, Secretaries, Principal Chief Engineer, Buildings and Housing Department, District Collector, Gangtok, Deputy General Officer Commanding, 17th Mountain Division, JD (Automation), Kendriya Sainik Board, officers from the Buildings and Housing Department, Government of Sikkim, serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, members of the Rajya Sainik Board, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their family members.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by WO, ZSB (North and East), Subedar GS Pandey, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK