Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 26 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid heartfelt tribute to the immortal martyrs of Kargil by laying a wreath on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas (Shaurya Diwas) at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Gandhi Park, here, today.
On this occasion, he honoured the families of the Kargil martyrs and paid tribute to their unparalleled sacrifice, valour, and service to the nation. The Chief Minister announced on this occasion that the ex-gratia amount for the Param Vir Chakra awardees would be increased from 1.5 crore to 2 crore.
Dhami said that the Kargil victory is an immortal symbol of the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, unparalleled valour, and patriotism. He said that under extremely difficult conditions at an altitude of more than 18,000 feet, Indian soldiers displayed unparalleled valour, unwavering morale, and supreme sacrifice, defeating the enemy and demonstrating India’s military might and determination 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, rich legacy of gallantry medal winners, and the dedication of its youth to national 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 has become stronger, more decisive, and more confident. He said that decisive action against terrorism, rapid development of strategic infrastructure in border areas, and efforts towards a self-reliant India in the defence sector are symbols of the strength of new India. He said that several historic decisions related to One Rank, One Pension, the National War Memorial, and military welfare have enhanced the respect for the country’s soldiers, veterans, and their families.
The Chief Minister added that the State Government is also working with full commitment for the welfare of brave soldiers, veterans, and martyrs’ families. He said that the State Government has increased the ex-gratia amount given to the dependants of martyrs from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Along with this, a historic increase has also been made in the lump sum and annual assistance given to all gallantry award winners.
The Chief Minister said that several public welfare schemes have been implemented like adjustment of one member of martyrs’ families in government service, increasing the application time limit from two years to five years, assistance for marriage of daughters of martyrs’ 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 arms licence process for ex-servicemen is being simplified. The Chief Minister said that efforts will be made to expedite the disposal of land fraud cases of soldiers and ex-servicemen pending in the district courts.
The Chief Minister said that the construction of the Military Shrine, the state’s “fifth shrine,” in Guniyal village, Dehradun, is in its final stages. He said that this Military Shrine, built with sacred soil brought from the homes of every martyr in the state, will serve as an inspiration for patriotism, sacrifice, and self-denial for generations to come.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is also taking concrete steps to ensure a bright future for Agniveers. The country’s first “Agniveer Employment Cell” is being established for retired Agniveers. Effective work is also being done to prioritise them in the Uttarakhand Police, Forest Department, and other state services, as well as provide skill development training, self-employment, homestay programmes, and special assistance in border areas.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people of the state to draw inspiration from the sacrifice, bravery, and patriotism of the immortal martyrs of Kargil and actively contribute to the creation of 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 to serve the nation, to be dedicated to their duty, and to their devotion to the motherland.
Soldiers’ Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi said that Kargil Vijay Diwas symbolises the indomitable courage, valour, and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Army. In the 1999 Kargil War, Indian soldiers displayed unparalleled valour under adverse conditions, protecting the nation’s borders. Paying tribute to the immortal martyrs of Kargil, he said that their sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian to serve the nation. He said that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is committed to the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and martyrs’ families. The state government has increased the honorarium of gallantry award winners and, so far, the dependants of 28 martyrs have been accommodated in government service.
Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, MLA Munna Singh Chauhan, Officer-in-Charge Subhash Barthwal, Secretary, Sainik Welfare, Yugal Kishore Pant, Major General Shammi Sabarwal (Retd), District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan, the SSP, former military officers, former soldiers and families of martyrs were present on the occasion.
