CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Participates in Martyrs’ Remembrance Ceremony at Government Inter College, Rikhanikhal, Pauri Garhwal

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Shaheed Smaran Samaroh (Martyrs’ Remembrance Ceremony) held on Sunday at Government Inter College, Rikhanikhal, Pauri Garhwal. On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 11 development projects worth ₹102.82 crore — including the inauguration of six projects worth ₹56.58 crore and the foundation stone laying of five projects worth ₹46.24 crore.

During the event, Chief Minister Dhami announced several local development initiatives, including naming Government Inter College Rikhanikhal after Shri Gunanand, constructing a community hall and guest house with a helipad in Rikhanikhal block, establishing a Primary Health Centre at Meruda in Jayaharikhal block, developing multiple pumping schemes and flood protection works, constructing and improving several rural motor roads, and widening the Deviyokhal–Maivani road. He also announced the appointment of doctors at Rikhanikhal Community Health Centre and naming local roads after martyrs in the block.

The Chief Minister inspected departmental stalls, participated in traditional activities such as rice pounding in an okhli (mortar), grinding chutney on a silbatta (stone slab), and churning buttermilk, and interacted with local producers. He noted that the demand for mountain-based products is rising globally and encouraged locals to pursue self-employment for economic empowerment.

Before the ceremony, the Chief Minister observed a performance by the Indian Army band and praised their rendition of patriotic tunes. He, along with the attendees, also listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat broadcast.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dhami said the event was not merely a program but a collective tribute to the martyrs. “The brave soldiers of Uttarakhand have always made the nation proud. Almost every household in the state has a member with a military background. The state government is committed to the welfare of soldiers and their families,” he said.

He highlighted key welfare measures, including increasing the ex-gratia amount for the families of martyrs from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh and significantly raising the award money for recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and other gallantry awards. He added that ₹10,000 is being provided for the cremation of martyrs, soldiers receive up to 25% exemption in stamp duty on land purchases, and 28 family members of martyrs have been appointed to government service, with 13 more cases under process. The time limit for applying for such appointments has been extended from two years to five years.

Dhami further mentioned that under the Central Government’s initiatives, soldiers are being provided with One Rank One Pension, modern equipment, jackets, and footwear. He announced that the grand Sainya Dham (Military Shrine) being constructed in Dehradun would be inaugurated soon.

Referring to the ongoing development works in Pauri district, he said that a 100-meter-high national flag and a park named after former CDS General Bipin Rawat have been completed at Kandoliya. Other projects such as the revival of the ancient Char Dham pedestrian route, construction of Trident Park, restoration of the old Collectorate building as a heritage site, Satpuli Lake development, and the Dhari Devi pedestrian route reconstruction are in progress.

Chief Minister Dhami affirmed that the state government is working beyond regional and caste lines for holistic development. “Historic steps such as the Anti-Riot Law, Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Operation Kaalnemi, and the Anti-Cheating Law have strengthened good governance in the state,” he said.

MLA Mahant Dilip Rawat expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, stating that the construction of the grand Sainya Dham in Dehradun is a matter of great pride for the state. He praised the government’s initiatives for implementing the UCC, enforcing the Anti-Cheating Law, and promoting employment generation. “The land of Rikhanikhal, known for its valor, continues to inspire us,” he said, while extending warm greetings to martyrs, veer naris (war widows), gallant soldiers, and freedom fighters’ families.

Colonel Manjul Kafaltia, Commander of the Adam Battalion, said that the Indian Army stands firmly with the families of martyrs and urged them to contact the Garhwal Rifles Centre in Lansdowne for any assistance.

The event was attended by Pandit Rajendra Anthwal, Vice President of the Cow Service Commission; Anoop Patwal, District Panchayat Member; Renu Rawat, Block Pramukh Rikhanikhal; Ranveer Sajwan, Pramukh Jayaharikhal; District Magistrate Swati S. Bhadoria; SSP Lokeshwar Singh; and other dignitaries.