my uttarakhand news Bureau
Gairsain, 10 Mar: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today interacted with cadets preparing to join the armed forces as Agniveers at Bhararisain (Gairsain) and said that ensuring a secure future for Agniveers after completion of their service was the responsibility of the government.
During the interaction, held at the Assembly complex in Bhararisain, , the CM answered a series of questions posed by the cadets on various subjects. The cadets engaged in an open dialogue with the CM and sought his views on issues related to military service, governance and public life.
Addressing the Agniveer cadets and ex-servicemen present on the occasion, the CM said that soldiers of the country served in extremely difficult conditions in border and high Himalayan areas. He observed that one of the unique characteristics of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand was that almost every family in the state had at least one member serving in the armed forces or paramilitary forces.
Dhami further said that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Army was rapidly moving towards greater self-reliance. He noted that India’s defence exports were steadily increasing and that the Indian armed forces had established themselves as a strong and capable force at the global level. He added that continuous modernisation was being undertaken in the armed forces to enhance their operational capabilities.
The CM also state that the state government has taken several important decisions for the welfare of soldiers and ex-servicemen. A grand Sainik Dham is being constructed in Dehradun where the stories of valour and memories of the state’s martyrs would be preserved. He added that he regards ex-servicemen as his guardians and deeply respects their contribution to the nation.
Shankar Singh Rana asked the CM whether, being the son of a soldier and having closely observed the life and activities of soldiers, he had ever wished to join the Army himself. Responding to the question, Dhami said that joining the armed forces is regarded as one of the most honourable forms of service. He said that he considered his own life to be guided by the same discipline and dedication that characterise the life of a soldier. Dhami said that while growing up with his father, he had closely observed the discipline and sense of duty displayed by soldiers. He added that the same commitment and spirit with which soldiers perform their duties in the service of the nation inspired him to serve the people of Uttarakhand in his role as the state’s chief sevak.
Another cadet, Himanshu Rautela, asked how the CM manages to devote time to his family while holding such a demanding public office. Dhami replied that when a person becomes actively involved in political and social life, his responsibilities increase significantly. He claimed that as the chief sevak of the state he considers every resident of Uttarakhand to be a member of his extended family and every village in the state as his own.
OP Kandari asked what arrangements the government has made for employment opportunities for Agniveers after they completed their service. In response, the CM said that the state government has already made provision for 10 per cent horizontal reservation for Agniveers in uniformed services in Uttarakhand. He added that the Central government is also providing various opportunities for Agniveers in several sectors. Dhami emphasised that ensuring the future security of every Agniveer is the responsibility of the government.
Ritesh Panwar asked Dhami why he has come to be known by the popular sobriquet “Dhakad Dhami”. Dhami replied that the behaviour of a public representative should always remain courteous and respectful towards the people. However, he said that at times it became necessary to take firm and courageous decisions in the larger interest of the state and the public. He pointed out that Uttarakhand had become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and that the state government has also enforced a strict anti-cheating law in examinations as well as an anti-riot law. He said that during the past four years the state government had taken several historic decisions in keeping with public expectations and the interests of Uttarakhand.
Another cadet, Aman Semwal, asked the CM the secret behind the constant smile on his face. Dhami replied that he derived his energy and inspiration for work from the blessings of the people of the state. He said that the government was continuously working for the comprehensive development of Uttarakhand in accordance with the aspirations of the people and that the state was today emerging as a leading performer in several sectors at the national level.
Among those present on the occasion were founder of the Youth Foundation Ajay Kothiyal, ex-servicemen and Agniveer cadets.
About The Author
