If I were not a soldier, I would not have been an MLA or a Minister: Ganesh Joshi

my uttarakhand news Bureau 

Dehradun, 3 Nov: During the special session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Sainik Welfare, Ganesh Joshi, paid heartfelt tribute to all the activists and martyrs of the Uttarakhand statehood movement, recalling the crucial role of women (matrashakti) in the struggle for the formation of the state.

Minister Joshi remarked, “If I were not a soldier, I would not have been an MLA or a minister today. My background is rooted in the army, and it is with the same discipline, dedication, and spirit of patriotism that I am serving the people.”

Highlighting the achievements of the Sainik Welfare Department over the 25 years since the formation of the state, Minister Joshi noted that in the year 2000, the department’s budget was only ₹4.26 crore, which has now increased to ₹80.50 crore — a nearly 19-fold increase. “This is not merely a numerical achievement,” he said, “but a reflection of the state government’s deep commitment towards our martyrs and their families.”

Minister Joshi further informed that at the time of state formation, there were 1,36,000 registered ex-servicemen and dependents, a number that has now risen to 1,92,000 — showing a 41% increase. Similarly, the number of Sainik Rest Houses has doubled from 18 to 36, symbolizing the government’s respect and concern for the welfare of soldiers.

He also stated that the lump sum grant for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹1.5 crore, marking a 75-fold rise. Likewise, since 2014, the financial assistance to dependents of martyred soldiers has been raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh, a fivefold increase.

Speaking on agriculture and rural development, Minister Joshi said, “Empowered farmers mean an empowered Uttarakhand — this is our core mantra.”

He added that over the past twenty-five years, the government has taken significant steps to make farmers economically strong and self-reliant. The departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Cooperation are working collectively toward the goal of farmers’ prosperity.

Concluding his address, Joshi emphasized that the soldiers and farmers are the pride of Uttarakhand, and the government is constantly striving for the welfare and upliftment of both.