Uttarakhand CM Dhami participates in gratitude programme organised by Ex-Serviceman Organisation

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], August 12 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the gratitude and dialogue programme organised by the Uttarakhand Ex-Serviceman Organisation at Doon Sainik Institute, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, on Sunday.

The brave women, along with the officers and soldiers of the Ex-Serviceman Organisation, expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for increasing the ex-gratia grant amount given to the martyred soldiers in the state on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, increasing the period for applying for government jobs to the families of martyred soldiers from two years to five years.

Providing appointments to the dependents of the martyrs on these posts in other departments besides Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ in the District Magistrate’s offices, as well as providing leave to the contract workers working in the Sainik Welfare Department like Upanal employees .

The Chief Minister said that our soldiers are also the sentinels of the Himalayas and protectors of the environment. Expecting the ex-servicemen to cooperate in the success of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaigns, he announced the construction of Sainik Vishram in Mussoorie. In the programme, the women honoured the Chief Minister and the Chief Minister honoured the women.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is providing employment in state services to one dependent of the soldiers of the Army and Paramilitary Forces who die in war, as per their educational qualifications. So far, 17 dependents of soldiers have been given jobs in the state service. Uttarakhand is the only state where soldiers decorated with gallantry awards are paid a lump sum annual amount for life.

The lump sum amount of soldiers decorated with Vishisht Seva Medal award has been increased. The monthly grant given to ex-soldiers of the Second World War and war widows has been increased from Rs. 8 thousand to Rs. 10 thousand.

The Chief Minister said that our army has always displayed indomitable courage and bravery. Our army has a history of valour and valour. Uttarakhand is not only Devbhoomi but also Veerbhoomi. Every family from Uttarakhand is associated with military background. It is difficult to describe in words the contribution made by the soldiers and military families of Uttarakhand. He said that soon a grand military Dham will also be inaugurated.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always worked to boost the morale of the army. If there is Holi, Diwali or any special day, he goes among the army and celebrates with them. The work of boosting the morale of the army is being done under his leadership. The morale of the soldiers has increased due to One Rank One Pension.

“We are proud of our Indian Army, due to which the country is safe. He said that the Prime Minister has described the third decade of the 21st century as the decade of Uttarakhand. We are trying to include the state among the leading states of the country,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand has got the first place in the country in the Sustainable Development Goals issued by NITI Aayog. It is also a challenge for us to maintain it, efforts will be made to improve the indicators on which the state needs further improvement. He said that continuous efforts are being made by the state government for the overall development of the state.

The Chief Minister, while describing the atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh as unfortunate, said that at such a time many people of our country are entangled in the bondage of casteism.

Whereas this is the time for us to collectively think about this issue. He said that those who take out candle marches on the incidents happening in many countries of the world are also unaware of this incident. He said that this is the time for mutual unity. He also asked the ex-servicemen to cooperate in the work of nation awakening.