CM pays tribute to martyrs on Vijay Diwas
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 16 Dec: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today paid homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial during the homage and felicitation ceremony organised at Gandhi Park here, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. On this occasion, he also felicitated soldiers of the 1971 war and the families of martyrs. He also announced that government vehicles would be provided to all five offices, including the Sainik Kalyan Directorate and the District Sainik Kalyan Offices in Didihat, Herbertpur, Pithoragarh, and Haridwar.
Extending greetings on Vijay Diwas, the CM paid tributes to the martyrs on behalf of the entire state. He said the nation’s integrity and self-respect are safeguarded by the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 1971 war. He added that this day serves as a reminder of the Indian Army’s valour, sacrifice and unwavering national devotion, which remain etched in golden letters in the country’s history.
Dhami also reminded that nearly 93,000 Pakistani soldiers had surrendered before the Indian Army in 1971. He said 248 brave sons of Uttarakhand had made the supreme sacrifice in that war, while 74 soldiers from the state were honoured with gallantry medals for their courage and valour. He also observed that almost every family in the state has a member serving in the Armed Forces and added that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the morale of soldiers is being strengthened and the Army is being equipped with state-of-the-art technology and weapons.
Reminding those present of India’s growing defence capabilities, the CM asserted that the country has now joined the list of top defence exporters. He said that India proved through ‘Operation Sindoor’ that indigenous weapons are among the best in the world. Indigenous systems such as the Akash Missile, Defence System, and BrahMos Missile have established India’s global dominance. He observed that every enemy bullet is now being answered with shells and asserted that this is a new India, which gives a strong response to every hostile act and neutralises enemies in their own hideouts.
The CM said several important decisions have been taken for the welfare of soldiers under the PM’s leadership, including the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP), construction of the National War Memorial, enhancement of the defence budget and strengthening of the border infrastructure. He asserted that the State Government is also working with full commitment for the welfare of soldiers and their families.
Dhami reminded that the State Government has increased the ex-gratia amount for the dependents of martyrs from Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 50 lakhs. The lump sum and annuity amounts for gallantry award recipients, from the Param Vir Chakra to Mention in Dispatches have also been significantly increased. The amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees has also been raised from Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 1.50 crores, for Ashok Chakra from Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 50 lakhs, for Maha Vir Chakra and Kirti Chakra from Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 35 lakhs, and for Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra from Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs.
The CM also announced that one member of a martyr’s family would be provided government employment and that the application period for government jobs has been extended from two to five years. Schemes such as pre-job training and grants for the marriage of daughters of martyrs are also being implemented. He added that the gallantry award winners and ex-servicemen are provided free travel in government buses, and both serving and retired soldiers receive a 25 per cent exemption on stamp duty for property purchases up to Rs 25 lakhs. He added that the construction of a grand ‘Sainya Dham’ is underway in Guniyal Village, Dehradun.
Sainik Kalyan Minister Ganesh Joshi reminded that around 4,000 soldiers were martyred in the 1971 war, including 248 from Uttarakhand, while nearly 9,000 soldiers were wounded. He said it is a matter of pride that 74 soldiers from Uttarakhand received gallantry awards. He emphasised that honouring soldiers is the duty of every citizen and said the Central and State Governments are working together for their welfare. Under the leadership of CM Dhami, the honorarium for the families of martyred soldiers has been increased to Rs 50 lakhs, and every issue faced by soldiers is being addressed.
MLA Khajan Das, MLA Savita Kapoor, Secretary Sainik Kalyan, Dipendra Chaudhary, Major General (Retd) Sammi Sabharwal, along with ex-servicemen and Veeranganas, were among those present on the occasion.
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