Ranchi (Mail News Service): Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Tuesday stressed the need to create structured employment opportunities for Agniveers in the state, particularly in the police, security forces, and allied services, to ensure their smooth rehabilitation after completing military service.
The Governor was chairing the 17th Management Committee meeting of the Directorate of Sainik Welfare at Lok Bhawan in Ranchi. He directed officials to carry out a comprehensive assessment of Agniveers returning to Jharkhand and to formulate concrete, time-bound plans for their rehabilitation. He also instructed departments to expedite pending personal and administrative matters of serving soldiers who visit the state on leave.
Emphasising the importance of preserving and promoting military heritage, Governor Gangwar asked officials to develop the Jharkhand War Memorial, Dipatoli, as a major tourist destination. He called for transforming the ancestral village of Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka into a model village, adding that he plans to visit the village in the near future.
The meeting also discussed the proposal to establish a new Sainik School in Jharkhand, with Godda being considered as a potential location. Enhancing financial assistance for the dependents of martyrs was another key issue deliberated during the session.
Observing the strong interest of tribal youth in joining the armed forces, the Governor suggested examining the feasibility of setting up a dedicated training centre to better prepare them for military careers. Officials also informed him that infrastructure such as the Sainik Market and Sainik Theatre, constructed nearly four decades ago, requires redevelopment, for which support from Jharkhand Urban Development Company Limited is being explored.
Discussions were also held on strengthening the Ex-Servicemen Corporation Fund by studying best practices adopted by other states.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor Nitin Kulkarni, ACS (Home & Prisons) Vandana Dadel, Finance Secretary Prashant Kumar, Major General Sajjan Singh Mann, and senior officials of the Directorate of Sainik Welfare.
