Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended a gratitude and dialogue program organized by the Uttarakhand Ex-Servicemen Organisation at Doon Sainik Institute, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, on Sunday. The event saw brave women, along with officers and soldiers of the Ex-Servicemen Organisation, expressing their appreciation to the Chief Minister for his recent initiatives. These include increasing the ex-gratia grant for martyred soldiers from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, extending the application period for government jobs for the families of martyred soldiers from two years to five years, and providing appointments to the dependents of martyrs in various departments beyond just Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts in District Magistrate offices. Additionally, contract workers in the Sainik Welfare Department now receive benefits similar to Upanal employees.
During the event, the Chief Minister acknowledged the soldiers as guardians of both the Himalayas and the environment. He called on ex-servicemen to support the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaigns and announced the construction of a Sainik Vishram in Mussoorie. In recognition of their contributions, women participants honored the Chief Minister, who, in turn, honored them.
Dhami emphasized the state government’s commitment to providing employment in state services to one dependent of soldiers who die in war, based on their educational qualifications. So far, 17 dependents have been given jobs in state services. Uttarakhand is the only state that provides a lump sum annual amount for life to soldiers decorated with gallantry awards. The financial grants for those awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal have also been increased. Moreover, the monthly pension for ex-soldiers of the Second World War and war widows has been raised from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.
The Chief Minister praised the Indian Army for its indomitable courage and bravery, highlighting the rich military tradition of Uttarakhand, often referred to as both Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi. He noted that almost every family in the state has a military connection, and the soldiers and their families have made invaluable contributions to the nation. He also announced the upcoming inauguration of a grand military memorial in the state.
Dhami commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consistently boosting the morale of the armed forces, whether by celebrating special occasions like Holi and Diwali with them or implementing initiatives like One Rank One Pension. He expressed pride in the Indian Army, whose efforts ensure the country’s safety, and highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision of the third decade of the 21st century as the “decade of Uttarakhand.” The Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to making Uttarakhand one of the leading states in the country.
He also mentioned that Uttarakhand has been ranked first in the Sustainable Development Goals by NITI Aayog and stressed the importance of maintaining this position while improving areas that need further development. Dhami condemned the atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, noting that while such incidents occur, many in India remain entangled in caste-based divisions. He called for collective reflection and mutual unity and urged ex-servicemen to contribute to the work of national awakening.
