Gaurav Sainik Milan and Ex-Servicemen Felicitation Ceremony Held in Haldwani
A soldier never becomes an ex-soldier; he remains a soldier for life, says CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
Uttarakhand government committed to the welfare and honour of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, war widows and their families
Haldwani: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the ‘Gaurav Sainik Milan and Ex-Servicemen Felicitation Ceremony’ held in Haldwani on Thursday. A large number of ex-servicemen, war widows, military families, public representatives and dignitaries from different parts of the Kumaon region participated in the programme.
Paying tribute to ex-servicemen and war widows, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that soldiers dedicate the prime years of their lives to the service and protection of the nation. Without worrying about their own present, they make every sacrifice for the country’s secure future.
The Chief Minister said, “A soldier never becomes an ex-soldier; he remains a soldier for life. Our ex-servicemen are not ‘former’ but ‘extraordinary’.” He said ex-servicemen continue to contribute to society and the nation through their discipline, patriotism, dedication and experience.
CM highlights sacrifices of military families
Chief Minister Dhami said that being the son of a soldier himself, he understands the sacrifice, discipline and struggles of soldiers and their families. He said Uttarakhand is not only known as Devbhoomi but also as a land of valour.
From Victoria Cross recipients Darban Singh Negi and Gabar Singh Negi to General B.C. Joshi and General Bipin Rawat, Uttarakhand has given several brave sons to the nation, he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the contribution of Uttarakhand’s soldiers extends beyond defending the country’s borders and also plays an important role in nation-building.
India moving rapidly towards defence self-reliance
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s defence preparedness and military capabilities have witnessed significant strengthening. India is rapidly moving towards self-reliance in the defence sector.
He said domestic production of indigenous defence equipment is being promoted and India has also emerged as an exporter of defence products. The new India has the resolve and capability to take firm decisions to safeguard its borders and national interests, he added.
OROP described as historic decision
Chief Minister Dhami said that the long-pending demand for One Rank-One Pension (OROP) was fulfilled under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He termed it an important and historic decision in the interest of ex-servicemen.
He said both the Central and Uttarakhand governments are giving priority to the honour, welfare and interests of serving personnel, ex-servicemen, war widows and their families.
Several measures taken for welfare of soldiers
The Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand government has taken several important decisions for the welfare of soldiers and their families. Construction of the Sainya Dham at Guniyal Gaon in Dehradun is nearly complete. The memorial complex will symbolise the valour, sacrifice and service of Uttarakhand’s soldiers and inspire future generations to serve the nation.
He said the ex-gratia assistance 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 also been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore.
The application period under the provision for providing government employment to one family member of a martyred soldier has been extended from two years to five years.
The state is also providing serving and ex-servicemen a 25 per cent exemption in stamp duty on the purchase of immovable property valued up to ₹25 lakh.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is committed to ensuring speedy resolution of issues related to serving personnel, ex-servicemen, war widows and their families.
Uttarakhand’s soldiers have made an unparalleled contribution: Nitin Nabin
BJP national president Nitin Nabin said Uttarakhand is a land of brave soldiers and its military personnel have made an unparalleled contribution to the defence of the country.
He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian armed forces have become more modern and stronger, while India is rapidly progressing towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Nitin Nabin said India has established a strong identity among countries exporting defence equipment. He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s efforts to boost the morale of soldiers by regularly interacting with them.
He said the approach towards border villages has changed from viewing them as the country’s “last villages” to developing them as the nation’s “first villages”, with greater emphasis on their development.
Nitin Nabin appreciated the Uttarakhand government’s initiatives for the welfare of soldiers and their families. He said the Sainya Dham being built in Dehradun would stand as a symbol of respect and gratitude towards the state’s soldiers and martyrs.
Priority to welfare schemes for soldiers
Sainik Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi said the state government is working with commitment towards the welfare of ex-servicemen, war widows and military families.
He said various schemes related to the welfare, education, employment and other essential facilities for soldiers and their dependants are being effectively implemented. Cases related to the welfare of soldiers are being resolved on priority.
BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt, MP Ajay Bhatt, Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, BJP district president Pratap Bisht, programme convenor Suresh Bhatt, Dhruv Rauteela, former mayor Jogendra Rauteela and a large number of ex-servicemen, war widows, military families, public representatives and dignitaries were present at the event.
