Uttarakhand leads in soldiers’ welfare with dedicated employment cell for Agniveers
Dehradun, Aug 27 (IANS) Uttarakhand has emerged as a model for other states in soldiers’ welfare, with the state government introducing a series of measures for serving personnel, veterans, Veer Naris, and martyrs’ families.
Under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government has prioritised welfare initiatives for the armed forces community. Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to establish a dedicated Employment Cell for Agniveers returning home after completing four years of service in the armed forces.
The Dhami Cabinet recently approved the Employment Cell, which will help Agniveers find suitable employment opportunities. The state government had earlier announced 10 per cent reservation for Agniveers in government services.
The government has also approved a proposal to install statues of martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation in their ancestral villages. The initiative aims to preserve their legacy, inspire younger generations and honour their families.
The ex-gratia assistance for families of Param Vir Chakra awardees has been increased from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore. For dependents of other martyrs, the assistance has been enhanced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Financial assistance provided to soldiers who have received gallantry awards has also been increased.
Meanwhile, construction of Sainya Dham in Dehradun has been completed, and preparations are underway for its inauguration. Built in memory of Uttarakhand’s fallen soldiers, the memorial contains soil brought with due honour from martyrs’ homes and courtyards. The site also bears their heroic stories.
The state government is also providing government employment to one eligible family member of each martyr. So far, 28 eligible dependents have been appointed to government service. The deadline for submitting applications has been extended from two years to five years.
Serving and retired armed forces personnel also receive a 25 per cent concession on stamp duty for property purchases up to Rs 25 lakh. The government has further stepped in to assist serving soldiers and ex-servicemen’s families facing land fraud cases pending before district courts.
“Our government is fully committed to the honour and welfare of brave soldiers, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and the families of martyrs,” CM Dhami said, adding that Sainya Dham would become a symbol of Uttarakhand’s rich military heritage.
–IANS
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