Uttarakhand is at the forefront of soldier welfare, establishing an Agniveers Employment Cell, increasing ex-gratia for martyrs’ families, and initiating commemorative projects like Sainya Dham. The move places the state as a model for veteran support, including 10 percent reservations for Agniveers in government roles and enhanced assistance for dependents.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Uttarakhand has emerged as a model for other states in the country in the field of soldier welfare. The hill state is at the forefront of implementing various welfare schemes for serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and the families of martyrs. Uttarakhand is also the first state in the country to establish a dedicated Employment Cell for Agniveers returning home after completing four years of service in the armed forces.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government has accorded top priority to the welfare of soldiers. Several decisions taken and schemes implemented by the government are now setting an example for other states.
Uttarakhand is at the forefront of soldier welfare, establishing an Agniveers Employment Cell, increasing ex-gratia for martyrs’ families, and initiating commemorative projects like Sainya Dham. The move places the state as a model for veteran support, including 10 percent reservations for Agniveers in government roles and enhanced assistance for dependents.
Recently, the Dhami Cabinet approved the establishment of a dedicated Employment Cell for Agniveers. The Cell will assist Agniveers in securing employment after completing their four-year service in the armed forces. The state government has also already decided to provide 10 percent reservation to Agniveers in government services.
Statues of Martyrs to be Installed in Ancestral Villages
The government has decided to install statues of brave martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation in their ancestral villages. The initiative aims to ensure that the bravery and sacrifice of martyrs are passed on to the younger generation while also honouring their families.
The ex-gratia assistance for the families of Param Vir Chakra awardees has been increased from ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore. Similarly, the ex-gratia amount provided to the dependents of other martyrs has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. The one-time and annual financial assistance provided to soldiers who have been honoured with various gallantry awards has also been enhanced.
Sainya Dham to be Dedicated to the Public Soon
The construction of Sainya Dham in Dehradun has been completed, and preparations are now underway for its inauguration. The Dhami government has constructed Sainya Dham in memory of the state’s brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Soil from the homes and courtyards of the martyrs has been brought to Sainya Dham with due honour. The heroic stories of the martyrs have also been inscribed at the site.
Government Jobs for Dependents of 28 Martyrs
The Dhami government is providing government employment to one eligible family member of each martyr. So far, 28 eligible dependents have been accommodated in government service. The application deadline for such appointments has also been extended from two years to five years.
25% Stamp Duty Concession for Soldiers
Serving and retired personnel of the armed forces are being provided a 25 percent concession on stamp duty on property purchases of up to ₹25 lakh. The concession is aimed at providing financial relief to serving and retired personnel while purchasing property.
Assistance in Land Fraud Cases
The state government has also stepped forward to help soldiers and ex-servicemen’s families facing land fraud cases. Several such cases are pending before district courts, and the government is working to assist affected families in securing justice.
CM Dhami Says Government Committed to Soldiers’ Welfare
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that his government is fully committed to the honour and welfare of brave soldiers, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and the families of martyrs. He said that along with increasing the ex-gratia assistance for the dependents of martyrs and families of Param Vir Chakra awardees, the government has taken several historic decisions for the welfare of soldiers. Dhami said that Sainya Dham will become a symbol of Uttarakhand’s rich military heritage.
