Haldwani: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday honoured ex-servicemen, war widows and military families at the Gaurav Sainani Milan and Ex-Servicemen Felicitation Ceremony held in Haldwani. A large number of ex-servicemen and their family members from various parts of the Kumaon region attended the event.
The Chief Minister said that a soldier dedicates the prime years of his life to serving and protecting the nation. “A soldier never becomes an ex-soldier or a former soldier; he remains a soldier for life,” he said. He added that Uttarakhand is not only known as Devbhoomi, the land of the gods, but also as Veerbhoomi, the land of the brave. The state has produced several courageous sons of the nation, including Darban Singh Negi, Gabar Singh Negi, General BC Joshi and General Bipin Rawat.
Dhami said that he himself is the son of a soldier and therefore understands the sacrifice, discipline and struggles of soldiers and their families. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s defence capabilities and military strength have been significantly strengthened. India is moving towards self-reliance in the defence sector and is also exporting defence equipment.
The Chief Minister said that the long-pending demand for One Rank One Pension had been fulfilled by the Central Government, describing it as an important decision in the interest of ex-servicemen. He added that the state government is also continuously working for the welfare of serving and retired soldiers, war widows and their families.
He said that the construction of the Sainik Dham at Guniyaal Gaon in Dehradun is almost complete. The ex-gratia amount provided to the dependants of martyred soldiers has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. The one-time grant for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore. The time limit for applying for government employment for one member of a martyr’s family has also been extended from two years to five years. Serving and ex-servicemen are being provided a 25 per cent concession in stamp duty on the purchase of immovable property worth up to ₹25 lakh.
BJP National President Nitin Nabin described Uttarakhand as the land of heroes and said that soldiers from the state have made an unparalleled contribution to the defence of the country. He praised the steps being taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards modernising the armed forces and achieving self-reliance in the defence sector. He also said that border villages should not be regarded as the “last villages” of the country, but as the “first villages”, and their development should be given priority.
Nitin Nabin described Sainik Dham as a symbol of respect and gratitude towards brave soldiers and martyrs and appreciated the initiatives being taken by Chief Minister Dhami for the welfare of soldiers.
Sainik Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi said that the state government is committed to the welfare of ex-servicemen, war widows and military families. Issues related to education, employment and other essential facilities for soldiers and their dependants are being resolved on a priority basis.
BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt, MP Ajay Bhatt, Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaड़ा and a large number of ex-servicemen, war widows, military families and public representatives were present at the ceremony.
