Paramilitary Forces Personnel are Symbols of Bravery, Courage, and Patriotism – Chief Minister

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed a conference of former paramilitary personnel held at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Camp Headquarters in Haldwani on Wednesday. He said that the brave personnel of paramilitary forces have served the nation with undaunted courage, valor, and dedication on every front—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Kutch to Arunachal Pradesh. Their contribution to enhancing the honor of the tricolor flag is unforgettable. He described the paramilitary personnel as symbols of bravery, courage, and patriotism and called them the pride of the nation.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced several welfare measures for paramilitary personnel:

• In the future, any paramilitary personnel awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry will receive a one-time grant of ₹5 lakh.
• Former paramilitary personnel and their brave women dependents, who do not own any immovable property, will be eligible for up to 25% exemption on stamp duty when purchasing property in Uttarakhand once in their lifetime.
• The Uttarakhand State Paramilitary Welfare Council will be activated, with an office allocated in the Police Headquarters.
• Posts of Deputy Director (Paramilitary) at the Directorate of Soldier Welfare and Assistant District Soldier Welfare Officers (Paramilitary) in major districts have been approved; former paramilitary personnel will be appointed on a contractual basis.
• Children of paramilitary personnel will be provided marriage assistance similar to serving soldiers.
• The Chief Minister directed the District Magistrates to immediately select land for the construction of the CGHS building.

The Chief Minister emphasized that a soldier is never ‘former’, but remains a soldier for life. Sharing his own background from a military family, he acknowledged the challenges faced by soldiers and their families. He stressed that the sacrifice of martyrs cannot be measured, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that their families face no difficulties.

He further stated that the government has increased the ex-gratia for paramilitary personnel and martyrs’ families from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh, enhanced awards for gallantry medals such as the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra, and expanded annual grants. Memorials and martyr gates are being constructed in memory of martyrs, with approvals given this year for 10 new memorials. A scheme has also been implemented to provide one government job to a family member of each martyr.

The Chief Minister highlighted that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Indian military has been modernized rapidly, achieving self-reliance in defense production and exporting defense equipment globally. He cited Operation Sindur as proof of India’s indigenous weapons capability on the world stage.

Regarding law and order, he noted that the government has taken strict action against illegal settlements and other unlawful activities in hilly areas, recovering over 10,000 acres of government land and demolishing 550+ illegal structures. Laws such as the Uniform Civil Code, strict anti-conversion laws, anti-riot laws, and land laws have strengthened social harmony and internal security.

The Chief Minister stated that Devbhumi Uttarakhand is also Veerbhumi, and protecting its heritage, culture, and traditions is everyone’s responsibility. He assured that the state government is working with “resolute determination” to make Uttarakhand the best state in India.

On the occasion, Soldier Welfare Minister Shri Ganesh Joshi praised the state government for its continuous efforts toward the welfare of ex-servicemen.

Also present were Haldwani Mayor Shri Gajraj Singh Bisht, Zila Panchayat Chairperson Smt. Deepa Darmwal, MLA Shri Ram Singh Kaida, officials Dr. Anil Dabbu, Shankar Koranga, Renu Adhikari, IG Riddhim Agarwal, DM Lalit Mohan Rayal, DIG CRPF Shankar Datt Pandey, SSP Dr. Manjunath TC, ex-paramilitary associations’ president S.S. Kotiyal, retired IGs M.L. Verma, H.R. Singh, Bhanu Pratap Singh, along with a large number of former paramilitary personnel and dignitaries.