Gangtok:25th Sept :MP Darjeeling cum National Spokesperson, Raju Bista,called on the Defence Minister . Rajnath Singh , Chief of the Defence Staff and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs General Anil Chauhan .He has informed,’that he sought their intervention to ensure that the 163 Military Field Hospital, presently located at Lebong, Darjeeling, remains here.MP has urged them not to transfer those hospitals elsewhere. ‘I also requested them for making special concession of marks for the Gorkha youths, who are seeking enrolment in Territorial Army,’said MP Bista.
Emphasizing on the need to continue having hospitals there ,he informed them that the Darjeeling hills are home to highest number of serving soldiers, their families, and over 20000 ex-servicemen and their families.’
According to Bista,’ For such a large community, the presence of the Lebong Military Hospital is not only a critical medical facility but also a symbol of trust, reassurance, and historic association between the Indian Army and the people of our region.’
MP has requested them to have the matter examined, and intervene in favour of keeping the hospital in Darjeeling itself.
‘I have further informed them that while the Ministry of Defence had previously allowed exemption from the 33% minimum marks in all subject requirement for Gorkha recruits, the relaxation is not extended to the recruitment process of Territorial Army (TA). I have therefore, requested that the same relaxation be extended to TA recruitment as well.’
‘Defence Minister Rajnath and the CDS Anil Chauhan i,who is himself from 11 Gorkha Rifles, assured me that they will have both the matters examined, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure that solider and their families are not inconvenienced in any manner. They further assured that and they will do their best to extend the marks exemption for Gorkha youths.
I assure our serving soldiers and ex-servicemen that we stand with you, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that your sacrifices are honored’,said Raju Bista.
