Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the ‘Ex-Servicemen Reunion Ceremony’ organised in Meerut, where he paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of Indian soldiers. During the event, he honoured the mothers and wives of soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation, along with senior ex-servicemen.
The Chief Minister also released the book Shauryagatha, which highlights the extraordinary bravery and valour of soldiers from Uttar Pradesh serving in the Indian Armed Forces. In addition, he inaugurated District Sainik Welfare and Rehabilitation Offices in various districts of the state.
On the occasion, Yogi Adityanath announced three important decisions aimed at strengthening support for serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and the families of martyred personnel. He also directed officials to ensure that every complaint raised by ex-servicemen, Veer Naris (war widows) and families of serving soldiers is heard on priority and resolved within the stipulated time. He warned that negligence in addressing their grievances would not be tolerated.
Yogi Adityanath Announces Three Major Decisions for Soldiers’ Families
Addressing the gathering in Meerut, the Chief Minister announced three significant measures for the welfare of soldiers and their families.
1. Financial Rewards for Gallantry Award Winners Doubled
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to double both the one-time financial assistance and annual allowances provided to gallantry award recipients from the state.
The revised benefits will cover recipients of several prestigious military honours, including:
- Param Vir Chakra
- Maha Vir Chakra
- Vir Chakra
- Ashoka Chakra
- Kirti Chakra
- Shaurya Chakra
- Sena Medal
- Vayu Sena Medal
- Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal
- Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
- Yudh Seva Medal
2. Stamp Duty Exemption Limit Increased to Rs 50 Lakh
The Chief Minister announced an increase in the stamp duty exemption limit for property purchases made by ex-servicemen and the families of martyred soldiers.
Currently, eligible families receive stamp duty exemption on properties valued up to Rs 20 lakh. The state government has decided to increase this limit to Rs 50 lakh, providing additional financial relief to military personnel and their families while purchasing property.
3. Jobs Near Home for Families of Martyred Soldiers
Yogi Adityanath also announced that one eligible family member of a martyred soldier will be provided employment near their home.
For this purpose, the Sainik Welfare Department will coordinate with other government departments to obtain information about vacant positions. The government will make arrangements to provide employment to an eligible member of the martyr’s family at a location close to their residence.
Rs 96.78 Crore Assistance Provided Under Soldiers’ Welfare Schemes Since 2017
Highlighting the state government’s initiatives for the welfare of military personnel and their families, Yogi Adityanath said that Rs 96.78 crore has been provided as assistance under various soldiers’ welfare schemes since 2017.
Additionally, more than 15,000 beneficiaries have received Rs 115 crore through the Sainik Rehabilitation Fund.
The Chief Minister said these figures represent the support extended to thousands of families and young people. He shared the following details:
- 8,600 children have received educational grants to support their studies.
- 907 daughters have received financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each for their marriages.
- 269 talented students have been selected for the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA) and other military academies.
He also highlighted that daughters selected for these military academies receive three times the financial assistance provided to boys.
Soldiers Never Retire, Says Yogi Adityanath
During his address, the Chief Minister emphasised that national security is essential for the progress of any country or society.
He said that people can sleep peacefully because soldiers remain alert at the country’s borders. Whether it is the freezing heights of Siachen, the scorching deserts, the depths of the oceans or natural disasters within the country, soldiers are always among the first to respond.
Yogi Adityanath said that a soldier never truly retires. Although the uniform may change after retirement, the commitment and dedication towards the nation remain unchanged.
He also appealed to ex-servicemen to encourage young people in their villages to join the Indian Army and police forces. He said the goal of a developed India would be achieved through a developed Uttar Pradesh and that the contribution of former soldiers would be important in this journey.
The Chief Minister further stated that 2,085 brave soldiers from Uttar Pradesh had laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Referring to the state’s contribution to the armed forces, he mentioned the villages of Bulandshahr and Ghazipur and highlighted Rahmar village in Ghazipur for its significant contribution of soldiers to the country.
Yogi Highlights Changes in Meerut Over the Past Decade
Speaking about Meerut’s transformation, Yogi Adityanath said the city, once associated with vehicle theft, illegal slaughtering activities and criminal networks, has witnessed significant changes over the past decade.
He recalled that sugarcane farmers previously struggled to receive payments for their produce. Farmers demanding their rights faced difficulties, while sugar mills remained closed, irrigation facilities were inadequate and power supply was unreliable.
The Chief Minister said Meerut has now developed a strong identity in the sports equipment industry under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. He also highlighted the record payments made to sugarcane farmers.
He further pointed to improvements in the city’s connectivity, including the inauguration of the Meerut Metro by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also mentioned the development of the first sports university in the state, named after legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
Yogi Recalls Challenges Faced by Soldiers Under Previous Governments
The Chief Minister also spoke about the difficulties and lack of recognition faced by soldiers and their families during previous governments.
Referring to an incident involving a Kargil war veteran, he alleged that the former soldier had faced disrespect after refusing to salute a political leader. He also recalled an incident in which administrative arrangements were allegedly inadequate during the last rites of a martyred Lance Naik.
Yogi Adityanath said incidents involving crimes against soldiers had increased during that period and alleged that the previous government did not give adequate respect to the armed forces.
He also criticised the earlier approach towards responses to terrorist attacks, saying that merely sending dossiers and issuing condemnations was not enough. He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India had adopted a stronger approach towards those responsible for terrorist attacks.
According to the Chief Minister, the new India gives the highest priority to its soldiers and recognises their sacrifices.
Yogi Highlights One Rank One Pension and Soldiers’ Recognition Under PM Modi
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India, Yogi Adityanath recalled the five pledges outlined by the Prime Minister in 2022 for the country’s development over the next 25 years.
He highlighted the commitment to respecting and honouring serving and retired soldiers. The Chief Minister also referred to the implementation of the long-pending One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, which addressed a demand that had remained unresolved for nearly four decades.
He said Prime Minister Modi regularly celebrates Diwali with soldiers stationed in different parts of the country. Referring to this year’s celebrations, he mentioned the Prime Minister’s visit to Bastar.
BrahMos Missile Production and Defence Corridor in Uttar Pradesh
Yogi Adityanath also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in India’s defence manufacturing sector.
He said that advanced defence equipment is being manufactured in the state through the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. He specifically mentioned the production of BrahMos missiles in Uttar Pradesh and recalled their role in strengthening India’s defence capabilities.
The Chief Minister also referred to the abrogation of Article 370 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, describing it as an important step towards the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and the principle of one nation, one Constitution, one flag and one head.
He asserted that Uttar Pradesh would not provide space to anti-national elements, criminals or terrorists.
Concluding his address, Yogi Adityanath reiterated that the state government stands firmly with serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families. He said their welfare, dignity and security would remain among the government’s priorities.
