CM Dhami Inaugurates Ex-Servicemen Conference on Uttarakhand’s Silver Jubilee; Major Announcements for Soldier Welfare
“Uttarakhand’s Identity Lies in Valor and Dedication” – Chief Minister
Haldwani: Marking 25 years of Uttarakhand’s statehood, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the ‘Ex-Servicemen Conference’ at the MBPG College campus in Haldwani on Thursday. The event saw enthusiastic participation from ex-servicemen, veer naris, brave women, and families of military personnel from across the state.
The Chief Minister offered floral tributes to the attending ex-servicemen and expressed gratitude for their invaluable role in the formation of the state and their selfless service to the nation. He remarked that almost every Uttarakhandi household proudly contributes a soldier to the service of Mother India.
“Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is truly a land of heroes where patriotism and sacrifice flow in the very soil,” he said.
Key Announcements for Soldier Welfare
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel and their families, the Chief Minister made several significant announcements:
1. Strengthening the Sainik Welfare Department
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The entire department will be reorganized to enhance efficiency, transparency, and ease of access to welfare schemes.
2. Renovation of Key District Offices
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District Sainik Welfare Offices and residential buildings in Haldwani, Almora, and Pauri will be upgraded to improve facilities for ex-servicemen and veer naris.
3. Enhanced Housing Assistance
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Financial assistance for residential construction for martyr soldiers’ families has been increased from
₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
4. Modern Hostel for Soldiers’ Children
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A state-of-the-art hostel with 150-bed capacity will be built in Haldwani to provide safe accommodation and quality education for children of serving and retired soldiers.
“A Soldier Is Never a Former Soldier” – Chief Minister Dhami
Highlighting the unmatched discipline, courage, and sacrifice of soldiers, Chief Minister Dhami stated:
“A soldier is never a former soldier; he is always a soldier.”
He emphasized that there is no space for anti-national ideology in the country. Celebrating India’s growing military strength and self-reliance, he mentioned the indigenous production of essential defence equipment and the recent success of the BrahMos and Akash missiles during Operation Sindhu Megh.
Brave Women Honored
During the conference, the Chief Minister honored:
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31 brave women from Nainital
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13 brave women from Udham Singh Nagar
They were felicitated with shawls and mementos for their courage and enduring contributions.
“Honoring Brave Women Is a Moment of Pride” – Military Welfare Minister
Military Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi described the day as one filled with pride and deep emotion. Extending greetings on State Foundation Day, he highlighted Uttarakhand’s remarkable tradition of producing gallantry medal winners—Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra awardees.
He noted:
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The Military Dham (Pancham Dham) will soon be inaugurated.
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Gallantry award recipients are now provided free bus travel within the state.
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The government has employed over 22,000 soldiers to date.
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6.4 hectares of land near the Sugarcane Center in Haldwani has been identified for a new hostel; the Chief Minister will lay its foundation stone shortly.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal: “Uttarakhand Is a Soldier-Dominated State”
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal reiterated that Uttarakhand is a state shaped by soldiers and martyrs, and assured that the government continues to work tirelessly for the welfare of servicemen and their families.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by:
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Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt
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MLAs Banshidhar Bhagat, Ram Singh Kaida, Dr. Mohan Bisht
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Mayor Gajraj Bisht
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District Panchayat President Deepa Darmwal
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District President Pratap Bisht
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Minister of State (Independent Charge) Naveen Verma
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Public representatives Suresh Bhatt, Anil Kapoor (Dabbu), Shankar Koranga
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Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat
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DM Lalit Mohan Rai
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SSP Manjunath TC
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Numerous officials, ex-servicemen, and dignitaries.
