CM Dhami Pays Tribute to Kargil Heroes, Announces ₹2 Crore Ex-Gratia for Param Vir Chakra Awardees

Dehradun, July 26: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid floral tributes to the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas (Shaurya Diwas) at the Shaheed Smarak in Gandhi Park, Dehradun, on Sunday. Honouring the supreme sacrifice, courage and patriotism of the fallen soldiers, the Chief Minister also felicitated the families of Kargil martyrs.

On the occasion, CM Dhami announced that the ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees will be increased from ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to honouring India’s bravest soldiers.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Kargil Vijay is an enduring symbol of the Indian Army’s unmatched courage, determination and patriotism. He noted that Indian soldiers displayed extraordinary bravery while fighting under extremely harsh conditions at altitudes exceeding 18,000 feet, defeating the enemy and demonstrating India’s military strength and unwavering resolve before the world.

He recalled that 527 Indian soldiers laid down their lives during the Kargil War, including 75 brave soldiers from Uttarakhand. Calling Uttarakhand not only Devbhoomi (Land of Gods) but also Veerbhoomi (Land of Bravehearts), he said the state’s rich military tradition, distinguished gallantry award winners and the unwavering dedication of its youth towards national service continue to inspire the nation.

CM Dhami stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s national security policy has become stronger, more decisive and self-confident. He highlighted decisive action against terrorism, rapid development of strategic infrastructure in border areas and efforts towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in the defence sector as symbols of a stronger India.

He further said that landmark initiatives such as One Rank One Pension (OROP), the National War Memorial, and several welfare measures for soldiers and ex-servicemen have significantly enhanced the dignity and well-being of the armed forces and their families.

The Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand Government remains fully committed to the welfare of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and the families of martyrs. He noted that the ex-gratia amount provided to the next of kin of martyrs has already been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.

He also highlighted that the state has substantially enhanced both the one-time and annual financial assistance provided to recipients of gallantry awards.

Listing key welfare initiatives, CM Dhami said the government has introduced several measures, including:

• Government employment to one eligible member of a martyr’s family.
• Extension of the application period for compassionate appointments from two years to five years.
• Financial assistance for the marriage of daughters of martyrs’ families.
• Free travel in Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses for gallantry award winners.
• Stamp duty concessions on property purchases for serving and retired defence personnel.

He added that the process of obtaining arms licences for ex-servicemen is being simplified, while efforts are also underway to ensure the speedy disposal of pending land fraud cases involving serving and retired soldiers in district courts.

The Chief Minister informed that the construction of the Sainya Dham, envisioned as Uttarakhand’s “Fifth Dham”, is in its final phase at Guniyal village in Dehradun.

Built using sacred soil collected from the homes of every martyr from the state, the memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to patriotism, sacrifice and valour, inspiring future generations.

CM Dhami announced that Uttarakhand is establishing the country’s first Agniveer Employment Cell to support retired Agniveers in building successful civilian careers.

He said the state government is also working to provide priority opportunities for Agniveers in the Uttarakhand Police, Forest Department and other state services. In addition, initiatives related to skill development, self-employment, homestay schemes and special assistance for border areas are being implemented.

Calling upon the people of Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister urged citizens to draw inspiration from the sacrifice and patriotism of the Kargil heroes and actively contribute towards building a Developed India and a self-reliant, prosperous Uttarakhand. He said the supreme sacrifice of the Kargil martyrs would continue to inspire generations with the values of duty, courage and devotion to the nation.

Soldier Welfare Minister Pays Tribute

Soldier Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi said Kargil Vijay Diwas represents the Indian Army’s unmatched courage, bravery and supreme sacrifice. He said that despite extremely difficult conditions during the 1999 conflict, Indian soldiers displayed exceptional valour in safeguarding the nation’s borders.

He paid homage to the martyrs and stated that their sacrifice would forever inspire every Indian to serve the nation. He also noted that under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership, the state government has significantly enhanced financial assistance for gallantry award winners and has provided government employment to the dependents of 28 martyrs so far.

The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, MLA Munna Singh Chauhan, office bearer Subhash Barthwal, Secretary (Soldier Welfare) Yugal Kishore Pant, Major General Sammi Sabharwal (Retd.), Dehradun District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan, SSP Pramendra Dobhal, former military officers, ex-servicemen, and family members of Kargil martyrs.