CM Dhami Salutes Valor of Soldiers, Announces New Training Center for Retired Personnel

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday participated in a special program titled “A Dialogue with Brave Soldiers” at the Doon Sainik Institute in Garhi Cantt, celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor. He paid rich tributes to the courage and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces, calling their bravery an inspiration for future generations.

During the event, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a dedicated training center in Uttarakhand for retired soldiers. This initiative will be carried out through the Department of Sainik Welfare. Highlighting the exemplary valor displayed in Operation Sindoor, Dhami stated that the military’s unwavering courage and commitment serve as a powerful message and a source of inspiration.

He recalled the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, which shocked the nation and the world. In response, Indian forces carried out Operation Sindoor, delivering a strong message to those who dare threaten India’s daughters and citizens. On May 7, the operation resulted in the destruction of nine major terrorist camps and the elimination of over 100 terrorists.

CM Dhami credited the success of the mission to the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that under Modi’s strong and clear policy framework, the armed forces are being equipped with modern technology and advanced weaponry. India is becoming self-reliant in the defense sector, and the military is empowered to respond to enemy attacks with full force.

Dhami also noted the government’s firm decisions after the Pahalgam attack, including revoking the Indus Water Treaty and shutting down all trade routes with Pakistan, asserting that “trade and terror cannot go hand in hand.” He praised the Prime Minister’s tough stance, which is weakening India’s enemies.

Highlighting welfare initiatives for soldiers, CM Dhami said several key steps have been taken for their benefit. These include the implementation of One Rank, One Pension, the construction of the National War Memorial, increased defense budgets, and strengthened infrastructure in border areas. The ex gratia for the kin of martyrs has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Financial allowances for recipients of gallantry awards, from Param Vir Chakra to Mention in Dispatches, have also been enhanced.

Additionally, one family member of a fallen soldier will be offered a government job, and the application window for this has been extended from two to five years. Gallantry awardees and ex-servicemen are now entitled to free travel on state transport buses. There is also a 25% concession on stamp duty for serving and retired soldiers purchasing immovable property worth up to ₹25 lakh.

A grand Sainya Dham (Military Shrine) is being constructed at Guniyal Village in Dehradun in memory of the state’s martyrs.

Sainik Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi, also present at the event, said that Uttarakhand is a land of heroes and patriots, contributing one out of every five soldiers to the Indian Army. From World War I to today, thousands from the state have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. He reaffirmed that India is no longer afraid of terrorism and is now capable of eliminating threats at their source.

Also in attendance were Secretary of Sainik Welfare Deependra Chaudhary, Station Commander R.S. Thapa, Sainik Welfare Director Brigadier (Retd.) Amrit Lal, UPNAL MD Brigadier (Retd.) J.N.S. Bisht, and several high-ranking retired military officials including Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh, Rear Admiral O.P.S. Rana, Air Marshal D.S. Rawat, and other dignitaries and ex-servicemen leaders.