Answer By law4u team
The Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) is an important body established at the state level in India to oversee and promote the welfare of ex-servicemen, war widows, and their families. While the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) functions at the central level under the Ministry of Defence, the RSB works in close coordination with the central government to implement policies and welfare schemes specific to the needs of veterans in each state. The RSB ensures that veterans receive appropriate support in areas like rehabilitation, financial assistance, and employment.
Functions and Role of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB):
Welfare of Ex-Servicemen and Their Families:
The RSB is primarily responsible for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families at the state level. It provides assistance through various welfare schemes, financial aid, and ensures that ex-servicemen and their families are well taken care of after their military service.
It facilitates the implementation of pension schemes, financial support for medical needs, and other government-provided benefits for veterans and their dependents.
Coordination with the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB):
The RSB works closely with the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) at the national level to ensure the uniform application of welfare programs. While KSB formulates national policies and schemes, the RSB is responsible for implementing these policies at the state level, ensuring they are tailored to local needs.
The RSB ensures that the state-specific needs of ex-servicemen are met, including providing regional support and addressing local challenges.
Rehabilitation and Resettlement:
The RSB focuses on the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen, providing them with vocational training, employment assistance, and guidance to help them transition smoothly into civilian life.
It assists veterans in acquiring new skills, often by coordinating with state industries and the private sector, thereby enhancing their chances of finding suitable civilian jobs.
The board also helps in resettlement programs, ensuring that veterans are offered appropriate roles within the state administration or in public sector enterprises.
Assistance for War Widows and Dependent Families:
The RSB provides special provisions for war widows and the families of soldiers who have died during military service. It ensures that these families receive financial support, educational assistance, and pension benefits.
The board helps to integrate the dependents of martyrs into society, ensuring that they receive the recognition and care they deserve.
Reservation in Employment:
The RSB works to ensure that ex-servicemen and their families benefit from reservation in government jobs, especially in Group C and Group D posts, under the Ex-Servicemen Quota (ESM quota). The board helps implement state-level recruitment drives, ensuring that veterans get priority in government job openings.
The RSB often helps to coordinate special recruitment drives for ex-servicemen within the state government and state-run enterprises.
Promotion of State-Specific Welfare Schemes:
While national welfare schemes are implemented through the Kendriya Sainik Board, the RSB is responsible for tailoring and promoting state-specific welfare programs for veterans. This includes localized initiatives such as establishing Sainik Rest Houses, creating rehabilitation centers, and offering state-funded educational scholarships for the children of ex-servicemen.
Coordination with State Government:
The RSB coordinates closely with the state government to address any specific concerns or needs related to veterans at the state level. This may involve lobbying with the state government for increased support, advocating for changes in state laws affecting ex-servicemen, and ensuring that veterans receive their due entitlements.
It works with local authorities and district-level officials to ensure the smooth implementation of various welfare programs and services for ex-servicemen.
Recognition and Social Security:
The RSB plays a crucial role in recognizing the sacrifices of ex-servicemen and providing them with social security and benefits. It helps veterans receive pension, healthcare, and other social welfare benefits provided by both the state and central governments.
It also organizes various events and functions to honor ex-servicemen, making sure they are duly recognized for their contribution to the nation.
Example:
An ex-serviceman residing in a state like Maharashtra can approach the Rajya Sainik Board for pension benefits, healthcare assistance, or to apply for employment under the Ex-Servicemen Quota (ESM quota). The board may assist him in finding a suitable job within the state government or state-run PSUs. Additionally, if the ex-serviceman has children, the RSB might provide educational scholarships to help fund their studies.
Conclusion:
The Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) plays a vital role in ensuring that ex-servicemen, war widows, and their families are well-supported and integrated into civilian life. By providing welfare schemes, employment opportunities, financial assistance, and rehabilitation programs, the RSB makes certain that veterans are not left behind after their service. It ensures a smooth transition to civilian life, while also working in collaboration with the Kendriya Sainik Board and state governments to implement these essential programs.
