Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday paid floral tributes to the immortal martyrs of Kargil at the Shaheed Smarak in Gandhi Park, Dehradun on Kargil Diwas
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday paid floral tributes to the immortal martyrs of Kargil at the Shaheed Smarak in Gandhi Park, Dehradun on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas (Shaurya Diwas). On this occasion, he also honored the families of the Kargil martyrs and paid tribute to their unique sacrifice, valor and service to the nation. The Chief Minister announced that the ex-gratia amount for heroes honored with the Param Vir Chakra will be increased from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Kargil victory is an eternal symbol of the indomitable courage, unparalleled valor and patriotism of the Indian Army. He said that at a height of more than 18,000 feet and in extremely difficult conditions, Indian soldiers displayed extraordinary bravery, unwavering morale and supreme sacrifice, defeated the enemy and demonstrated India’s military strength and firm resolve to the world.
The Chief Minister said that 527 brave soldiers of the country made the supreme sacrifice in the Kargil war, including 75 brave sons of Uttarakhand. He said that Uttarakhand is not only Devbhoomi but also Veerbhoomi. The state’s glorious military tradition, the rich legacy of gallantry award winners and the dedication of the state’s youth to nation service are a source of inspiration for the entire country.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s security policy today has become stronger, more decisive and full of self-confidence. He said that decisive action against terrorism, rapid development of strategic infrastructure in border areas and efforts towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defense sector are symbols of the strength of New India. He said that historic decisions related to soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families, such as One Rank One Pension, the National War Memorial and various initiatives for soldiers’ welfare, have enhanced the honor of the country’s soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is also working with full commitment for the welfare of brave soldiers, ex-servicemen and the families of martyrs. He said that the ex-gratia amount given by the state government to the dependents of martyrs has been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Along with this, there has also been a historic increase in the one-time and annual assistance amount given to all gallantry award winners.
The Chief Minister said that many welfare measures have been implemented, including adjustment of one member of martyr families in government service, increasing the application time limit from two years to five years, financial assistance for the marriage of daughters of martyr families, free travel in state transport corporation buses for gallantry award winners, and exemption in stamp duty on purchase of property for serving and ex-servicemen. The process for arms licenses for ex-servicemen is also being simplified. The Chief Minister said that efforts will be made for the speedy disposal of pending cases of land fraud involving soldiers and ex-servicemen in district courts.
The Chief Minister said that the construction of the ‘Military Dham’ in Guniyal village, Dehradun as the state’s ‘Fifth Dham’ is in its final stage. He said that this Military Dham, built with the sacred soil brought from the home of every martyr of the state, will become a place of inspiration for patriotism, sacrifice and martyrdom for future generations.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is also taking concrete steps for the bright future of Agniveers. The country’s first ‘Agniveer Employment Cell’ is being set up for retired Agniveers. Along with this, effective work is being done to give them priority in Uttarakhand Police, Forest Department and other state services, skill development training, self-employment, homestay scheme and special assistance in border areas.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people of the state to take inspiration from the sacrifice, valor and patriotism of the immortal martyrs of Kargil and contribute actively in building a Developed India and a Developed, Self-reliant and Strong Uttarakhand. He said that the sacrifice of the immortal martyrs of Kargil will always inspire the countrymen for nation service, duty and dedication to the motherland.
Soldier Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi said that Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of the indomitable courage, valor and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Army. In the 1999 Kargil war, Indian soldiers displayed unique valor in adverse conditions and defended the country’s borders. Paying tribute to the immortal martyrs of Kargil, he said that their sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian for nation service. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government is committed to the welfare of soldiers, ex-servicemen and martyr families. The state government has increased the honorarium for gallantry award winners and so far 28 dependents of martyrs have been adjusted in government service.
On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, MLA Munna Singh Chauhan, Subhash Badthwal with responsibilities, Secretary Soldier Welfare Yugal Kishor Pant, Major General Sammi Sabharwal (Retd.), District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan, SSP Pramendra Doval, former military officers, ex-servicemen and families of martyrs were present.
