Dehradun: On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid floral tributes to the brave soldiers at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Gandhi Park. He also honored the families of the fallen soldiers and announced an increase in the ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees from ₹1.50 crore to ₹2 crore.
The Chief Minister said that the Kargil victory symbolizes the unmatched courage, valor, and patriotism of the Indian Armed Forces. He noted that 527 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the Kargil War, including 75 brave soldiers from Uttarakhand, describing the state as not only Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods) but also Veerbhoomi (Land of the Brave).
He stated that the state government has consistently worked for the welfare of martyrs’ families and ex-servicemen. The ex-gratia compensation for the dependents of martyrs has already been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Other welfare measures include government jobs for one family member of each martyr, enhanced financial assistance for gallantry award recipients, free travel on state transport buses, and several other benefits.
Dhami added that the construction of the Sainya Dham at Guniyal village in Dehradun is in its final phase. He also announced that Uttarakhand is establishing the country’s first Agniveer Employment Cell to support the future of Agniveers. The government is also working to give Agniveers priority in recruitment for the police, forest department, and other government services.
Taking a political swipe at the Congress, the Chief Minister said that border areas had been neglected for decades but had witnessed rapid development of roads, bridges, and infrastructure since 2014. He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s national security policy has become stronger and more decisive, while border villages are being integrated into the mainstream of development.
