Major General M P S Gill, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Uttarakhand Sub Area, recently visited the Raiwala Military Station to evaluate essential welfare and healthcare initiatives designed to benefit both troops and veterans.
During his visit, General Gill engaged in comprehensive discussions with Brigadier V Tyagi, the Station Commander at Raiwala. Their conversations were centered around critical areas including land management, operational preparedness, and the support provided to the community. A focal point of the visit was a thorough review of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) facility, deemed crucial for delivering healthcare services to retired armed forces personnel and their families.
Maj Gen Gill reiterated the Army’s dedication to improving healthcare standards, commending the effective execution of the ECHS at the local level. Since its inception in 2004, the scheme has expanded its reach to include 427 polyclinics across India, reflecting ongoing enhancements in service delivery. A report published in the Armed Forces Medical Journal in 2019 indicated a 15% increase in veteran satisfaction, attributed to improved access to medical services.
Throughout the visit, the GOC recognized the commitment of all personnel stationed at Raiwala, urging them to maintain their professionalism and dedication. This visit also served as a pivotal moment in leadership continuity, as Maj Gen Gill took command of the Uttarakhand Sub Area in May 2025, following Major General R Prem Raj.
Maj Gen Gill boasts a distinguished military career and is an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), the National Defence Academy (NDA), and the Indian Military Academy (IMA). His notable experience includes commanding a Mechanised Infantry Battalion and leading an armoured brigade on the western front.
Additionally, the visit underscored the Tyagi family’s enduring legacy within India’s military history. Brigadier V Tyagi’s leadership resonates with the contributions of his ancestor, Air Chief Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi, who left a significant mark during his time as Chief of the Air Staff.
Maj Gen Gill’s interactions at Raiwala exemplify the Army’s holistic focus on operational efficiency and service member welfare, establishing a robust standard for future leadership endeavors.
