Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday said the state government wants as many youth as possible to join the Indian Army or other security forces.
Addressing the Armed Forces Veteran Day cum Ex-Servicemen Reunion in Aizawl, Lalduhoma said the Mizos have contributed significantly to India’s struggle for independence, in World War II, and in various wars to defend the country after independence.
He said that Mizo youths who join the armed forces are being praised wherever they serve and have brought recognition to the state.
“Our government wants as many youth as possible to enroll in the armed forces, and we have been making every effort in this regard,” Lalduhoma said.
He added that the state government has raised a Mizo Territorial Army, and recruitment for it is ongoing.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over low enrollment at the state’s only Sainik School in Chhingchhip, Serchhip district, and urged youth to enroll there.
Highlighting welfare schemes implemented by the Mizoram government for war veterans and ex-servicemen, Lalduhoma said that Rs. 49.44 lakh was received from the Centre as a pension grant for ex-servicemen above 65 years who do not enjoy pension benefits.
Additionally, Rs. 47.4 lakh was provided as scholarships for children of ex-servicemen in the last financial year.
Under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, the government has recently designated Zoram Medical College and Hospital (ZMCH) and Zemabawk Cancer Hospital in Aizawl as facilities where ex-servicemen can receive free treatment.
According to officials, Mizoram has 6,170 ex-servicemen and 2,483 widows or dependents of ex-servicemen.
