Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in an ex-servicemen’s meet organized at Hathibadkala in Dehradun on Wednesday to mark the New Year. During the programme, the Chief Minister highlighted Uttarakhand’s deep connection with the armed forces, calling the state “a land of brave soldiers and ex-servicemen.” He emphasized that the state government remains consistently proactive and sensitive toward the honour, rehabilitation, and welfare of both serving and retired military personnel.
Son of a Soldier Shares Personal Connection
Speaking at the event, CM Dhami shared his personal connection to the armed forces, stating that as the son of a soldier, he has witnessed firsthand the discipline, sacrifice, and patriotism of the military. He added that he makes every effort to attend events and programmes related to soldiers and ex-servicemen, demonstrating the state’s ongoing respect and support for the defence community.
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Praise for PM Modi’s Initiatives for Soldiers
The Chief Minister lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent efforts to visit soldiers on critical occasions and for taking several historic measures for the welfare of serving personnel and ex-servicemen. He noted that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the Indian armed forces have seen rapid modernization, improvement in border infrastructure, and expansion of welfare schemes including housing, equipment, and other facilities. According to CM Dhami, these initiatives have significantly enhanced the morale and pride of both active soldiers and retired personnel.
State Government’s Focus on Welfare and Rehabilitation
CM Dhami highlighted that the Uttarakhand government has implemented multiple welfare schemes for dependents of martyrs, ex-servicemen, and retired military personnel. He reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring that the families of soldiers are supported, honored, and rehabilitated appropriately.
Minister of Sainik Welfare Speaks on Soldiers’ Contributions
Minister of Sainik Welfare Ganesh Joshi also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that soldiers and ex-servicemen are the pride of the nation. He said that their discipline, sacrifice, and dedication make India safe and strong. He added that under CM Dhami’s leadership, the state government has taken concrete steps to enhance the respect, honor, and welfare of soldiers and their families.
Historic Steps for Martyrs’ Families
Ganesh Joshi noted that the Dhami government has increased awards and honorariums for soldiers and taken the historic step of providing government jobs to families of soldiers who were martyred while defending the country. So far, 28 families of martyred soldiers in Uttarakhand have been provided employment in government service, reflecting the state’s strong commitment to supporting military families.
Presence of Retired Military Officers
The event was attended by several high-ranking retired military officers, including Lieutenant General AK Singh, Brigadier KG Bahal, Major General Sammi Sabharwal, Lt. General Ashwani Kumar, Major General OP Rana, Brigadier JNS Bisht, Major General Devesh Agnihotri, Major General OP Soni, and Major General Anand Rawat, among others. Their presence underscored the significance of the interaction programme and highlighted the state’s engagement with the ex-servicemen community.
Other Government Initiatives Ahead of New Year
Ahead of the New Year, the Uttarakhand government approved the promotion of nine IPS officers in a meeting of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC). Senior IPS officer of the 1996 batch, Abhinav Kumar, has been promoted to the rank of Director General and is currently serving as Additional Director General (Security and Intelligence) in the state. Eight other IPS officers have also received promotions.
Additionally, the Chief Minister approved a fund of ₹3.16 crore for organizing camps in Nyay Panchayats and Gram Panchayats across all districts under the “Jan-Jan Ki Sarkar, Jan-Jan Ke Dwar” campaign. Launched on December 17, 2025, this initiative aims to deliver government welfare schemes and services directly to citizens and ensure immediate resolution of public grievances.
Reaffirming Commitment to Soldiers and Citizens
The New Year programme in Dehradun reflects the dual focus of the Uttarakhand government: honoring and supporting soldiers and ex-servicemen while ensuring that welfare schemes reach citizens efficiently. Through proactive engagement, the Dhami government continues to strengthen the morale of military personnel and provide a transparent, responsive governance framework for the people of Uttarakhand.
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