Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Uttarakhand Ananya Samman program at a hotel on Sahastradhara Road on Friday. During this, the Chief Minister honored the families of martyred soldiers. Paying tribute to the martyrs, the Chief Minister said that the struggle, suffering, and unwavering loyalty of the families of the martyrs is an inspiration to all of us. He said that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is also known as Veerbhoomi. Almost every family in the state has a member of the army or paramilitary forces. The brave sons of Uttarakhand have risked their lives to protect the motherland.
The Chief Minister said that he himself is the son of a soldier, and therefore, he has always had a deep sensitivity, respect, and dedication towards the martyrs and their families. The Chief Minister stated that the state government, in tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the martyrs, has increased the ex-gratia amount given to the dependents of martyrs from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
The Chief Minister also stated that the Army has made unprecedented increases in the lump sum and annual grants given to soldiers decorated with all gallantry awards, from the Param Vir Chakra to Mention in Dispatch. A decision has also been made to accommodate one member of the martyr’s family in a government job, and the application period for government employment has been extended from 2 years to 5 years.
The Chief Minister stated that the state is also implementing schemes such as pre-employment training and daughter marriage grants for the dependents of martyrs. In addition to providing free travel on government buses to gallantry award-winning soldiers and former soldiers, a 25% stamp duty exemption is also being provided to serving and former soldiers on the purchase of property worth ₹25 lakh. A 25% stamp duty exemption has also been provided to former soldiers and women who are brave on the purchase of immovable property.
The Chief Minister said the state government is constructing a grand military shrine in Guniyal village, Dehradun, which will be a sacred place for every Uttarakhandi. Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the army is being equipped with state-of-the-art resources, while boosting the morale of the soldiers. The country is rapidly progressing towards self-reliance in the defense sector. It is also exporting defense equipment and resources to many countries. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has joined the list of top defense exporting countries.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLA Umesh Sharma Kau, Managing Editor Zee News Rahul Sinha, and others were present on the occasion.
