Dehradun: Uttarakhand has emerged as a leading state in implementing welfare measures for serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and families of martyrs, with the government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami giving priority to soldier welfare.
The state has become the first in the country to establish a dedicated Employment Cell for Agniveers returning home after completing four years of service in the armed forces.
Dedicated Employment Cell for Agniveers
The Dhami Cabinet recently approved the establishment of an Employment Cell for Agniveers to help personnel secure suitable employment after completing their four-year service.
The initiative is aimed at supporting Agniveers in transitioning into civilian employment.
Earlier, the Uttarakhand government had also announced 10% reservation for Agniveers in government services.
The dedicated cell is expected to provide employment-related assistance and help returning Agniveers make use of available opportunities.
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Higher Financial Assistance for Martyrs’ Families
The state government has also increased financial assistance for families of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Under the latest decisions:
- Ex-gratia assistance for families of Param Vir Chakra awardees has been increased from ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore.
- Assistance for dependents of other martyrs has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
- One-time and annual financial assistance for soldiers receiving various gallantry awards has also been enhanced.
The government has additionally approved the installation of statues of martyrs in their ancestral villages.
The initiative aims to preserve the legacy of the soldiers, honour their families and ensure that their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire younger generations.
Sainya Dham in Dehradun Nears Public Dedication
The construction of Sainya Dham in Dehradun has been completed, with preparations underway for its inauguration.
The memorial has been developed in honour of Uttarakhand’s soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation.
Soil from the homes and courtyards of martyrs has been respectfully brought to Sainya Dham. The heroic stories of the martyrs have also been inscribed at the site.
The government expects Sainya Dham to become a symbol of Uttarakhand’s military heritage and the sacrifices made by its soldiers.
Government Jobs for Dependents of 28 Martyrs
The Uttarakhand government is also providing government employment to one eligible family member of each martyr.
So far, 28 eligible dependents have been provided government service under the initiative.
The government has also extended the deadline for submitting applications for such employment from two years to five years, giving eligible families more time to apply.
25% Stamp Duty Concession for Armed Forces Personnel
Serving and retired armed forces personnel have also been provided a 25% concession on stamp duty for property purchases of up to ₹25 lakh.
The measure is intended to provide financial relief to members of the armed forces and retired personnel purchasing property in the state.
Government Steps In on Land Fraud Cases
The state government has also taken steps to assist serving soldiers and families of ex-servicemen facing land fraud-related cases.
Several such cases are pending before district courts, and the government has stated that it will extend support to affected families in their efforts to secure justice.
CM Dhami Reaffirms Commitment to Soldier Welfare
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state government is fully committed to the honour and welfare of soldiers, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and families of martyrs.
He highlighted the increase in ex-gratia assistance and other measures taken for the welfare of military personnel and their families.
Dhami also described Sainya Dham as a future symbol of Uttarakhand’s rich military heritage.
The series of initiatives, covering employment, financial assistance, memorialisation, government jobs, property-related concessions and legal support, underlines the state government’s focus on strengthening welfare measures for the armed forces community.
