Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved a significant increase in the monthly pension provided to the dependents of martyrs of the Uttarakhand statehood movement.
Under the decision, the monthly pension will be increased from ₹3,000 to ₹5,500, providing additional financial support to families who lost their loved ones during the movement for the creation of Uttarakhand.
The state government described the decision as a tribute to the sacrifices made by the statehood movement martyrs and an effort to provide greater economic security to their families.
CM Dhami Calls Pension Hike a Tribute to Martyrs
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the contribution and sacrifice of the movement’s martyrs in the formation of Uttarakhand remains unparalleled.
He said the sacrifices of the statehood activists played a crucial role in enabling Uttarakhand to emerge as a separate state.
CM Dhami said respecting the martyrs of the statehood movement and supporting their families has always remained a priority for his government.
He added that increasing the monthly pension from ₹3,000 to ₹5,500 reflects the government’s gratitude towards the martyrs and their families.
The Chief Minister also said the government remains committed to building a prosperous and empowered Uttarakhand in line with the dreams of those who sacrificed their lives for the state.
Families of Statehood Martyrs Welcome Decision
Dependents of statehood movement martyrs and various movement organisations have welcomed the pension increase.
Families said the enhanced pension would provide much-needed financial relief, particularly to elderly dependents who face regular household and medical expenses.
A dependent of a martyr of the Khatima firing incident expressed gratitude to CM Dhami and said the decision reflects recognition of the sacrifices made by the families.
Another martyr’s wife said the earlier pension amount was insufficient to meet essential expenses, including medicines and daily needs. She welcomed the increase, saying it would provide significant relief to families.
The beneficiaries also viewed the decision as more than financial assistance, describing it as a recognition of the sacrifices made by their family members during the statehood movement.
Pension Increased by ₹2,500 Per Month
The approved revision will increase the monthly pension by ₹2,500 for eligible dependents.
Revised Pension
- Earlier monthly pension: ₹3,000
- New monthly pension: ₹5,500
- Monthly increase: ₹2,500
The enhanced assistance is expected to strengthen the financial support available to families of statehood movement martyrs.
Uttarakhand Statehood Movement and Its Legacy
The history of the Uttarakhand statehood movement is marked by a prolonged struggle and sacrifices by activists seeking a separate state.
After years of agitation and several incidents of violence and firing, Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh and became a separate state on November 9, 2000.
The government said the pension enhancement reflects the spirit behind the creation of Uttarakhand and expresses the state’s collective gratitude towards those who contributed to the statehood movement.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Martyrs’ Families
CM Dhami said caring for the families of statehood martyrs is not only a responsibility but also a moral duty of the state government.
The pension hike is aimed at providing greater economic security to eligible dependents while reaffirming the government’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices associated with Uttarakhand’s statehood movement.
The decision is expected to bring relief to beneficiaries and strengthen the government’s welfare measures for families of statehood movement martyrs.
