Pauri: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Martyrs’ Memorial Ceremony held at the Government Inter College, Rikhanikhal, on Sunday. On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 11 various development projects worth a total of ₹102.82 crore. This included the inauguration of 6 projects worth ₹56.58 crore and the foundation stone laying of 5 projects worth ₹46.24 crore.
At the beginning of the program, the Chief Minister inspected departmental stalls and participated in traditional mountain activities such as pounding paddy in a mortar, grinding chutney on a grinding stone, and churning buttermilk. He inquired about local products and noted that the demand for mountain products is constantly increasing nationally and internationally. He urged local residents to strengthen their economic status by adopting self-employment.
Before the program, the Chief Minister inspected the Army Band and encouraged the band members for their melodious rendition. The Chief Minister, along with the crowd, then listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” program.
Program coordinator and local MLA Mahant Dilip Rawat welcomed Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami with a bouquet of flowers and presented him with a traditional mace. On this occasion, the Chief Minister honored brave women, families of martyrs, and veterans by presenting them with shawls and mementos.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that this occasion is not just a program, but a moment to pay collective tribute to all martyrs. The brave soldiers of Uttarakhand have always made Mother India proud. He said that almost every household in Uttarakhand has a member associated with a military background. The state government is continuously working for the welfare of soldiers and their families. He said that the ex-gratia amount given to the families of martyrs has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Additionally, the prize money for Param Vir Chakra and other award winners has been increased unprecedentedly. He stated that a 10,000 rupee assistance is being provided for the funeral of martyrs. Soldiers are being granted a 25 percent stamp duty exemption on land purchases. He also stated that under the integration of families of martyrs into government service, 28 families have been appointed, and 13 cases are under process. The previous two-year application period has been extended to five years.
The Chief Minister stated that the Central Government is providing soldiers with facilities such as One Rank One Pension, modern equipment, jackets, and shoes. He stated that the grand Military Shrine being constructed in Dehradun will be inaugurated soon.
Referring to the development work underway in Pauri district, the Chief Minister stated that the 100-meter-high flagpole and former CDS Bipin Rawat Park have been constructed in Kandoliya, and the re-opening of the ancient Chardham walking path, Trident Park, the heritage construction of the former Collectorate building, the construction of Satpuli Lake, and the reconstruction of the Dhari Devi walking path are in progress.
He said the state government is working for development, rising above regionalism and casteism. The government has taken historic steps such as land jihad, religious conversion, anti-riot laws, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Operation Kalanemi, and anti-copying legislation, which are establishing good governance in the state. During this, the Chief Minister announced to name Government Inter College Rikhnikhal after Gunanand, alignment work from Dalmota to Balli in development block Rikhnikhal, construction of auditorium in development block Rikhnikhal, construction of PWD guest house and helipad in development block Rikhnikhal, establishment of Primary Health Centre in Nyay Panchayat Meruda in development block Jayharikhal, construction of pumping scheme from Mandal river to Naudanu in development block Rikhnikhal, Animal Service Centre Silwad in development block Jayharikhal, upgradation of Jayharikhal Veterinary Hospital and establishment of Animal Service Centre Dhauntiyal in village Sattichoud with the post of Livestock Extension Officer, flood protection work on Mandal river in development block Rikhnikhal under Legislative Assembly Lansdowne, construction of Chauludanda pumping scheme in development block Rikhnikhal, construction of pumping scheme in Bhaun of development block Nainidanda, Under this, construction of Digolikhal pumping scheme, construction of motor road from the first band of Simdi Kandli motor road to Sera Farsaingal in development block Dwarikhal, matching work from Kathwada Khansuli Khanetakhal motor road to Dhabakhal Bulekha motor road in development block Rikhnikhal, construction work of Lekul Nad Majyadi motor road in development block Rikhnikhal, construction of village Payagadi Rajvi Malla Vite motor road near Rikhnikhal Kotdisain, construction work of motor road from Kilyoukhal to Sundroli in development block Rikhnikhal, work of part two in Nave Talli in development block Rikhnikhal, widening and improvement work of the link road from Deviyokhal market to Maivani, construction of Panisain Dabrad Boothanagar motor road under development block Rikhnikhal, appointment of doctors in Community Health Centre Rikhnikhal and names of immortal martyrs under development block Rikhnikhal He announced to name the local motor roads after him.
