Armed Forces Flag Day Fund Provides Strong Support to Soldiers’ Families – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Nagpur, Dec 2025 : The dedication of soldiers to the nation cannot be measured in any material terms. To support the families of soldiers who lead a challenging life and make sacrifices for the country, the government implements various initiatives. Assistance is also provided to soldiers’ families through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund collection. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that this fund serves as a significant support to the families of soldiers.

The inauguration of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund collection took place at the Ramgiri Government Residence under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Fadnavis. Among those present on the dais were former Soldiers’ Welfare Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Minister of State for Finance and Planning Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Secretary of the General Administration Department Pankaj Kumar, former Director of Soldiers’ Welfare Department Colonel Manohar Thonge, Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidri, District Collector Vipin Itankar, Chief Executive Officer Vinayak Mahamuni, and others.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the value of a soldier’s life lost in service to the nation cannot be measured. However, to support their families, the government provides ₹25 lakh, which has now been increased fourfold to ₹1 crore. The government extends comprehensive support to the families of martyred soldiers. Many citizens who respect the army contribute to the Flag Day Fund from their daily earnings. This fund is very useful and supports numerous initiatives for soldiers’ welfare.

“Through Operation Sindoor, the world has witnessed the valor of the Indian Army. Since then, the Indian Army has become an integral part of a powerful nation. In the future, it is fully capable of tackling any challenge. The bravery of our soldiers ensures the safety of the nation’s borders,” said Chief Minister Fadnavis.

He also appealed to citizens to participate in the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund collection according to their capacity as a way to express their respect and support for the armed forces.

During the program, the fund collection was inaugurated with the ceremonial pinning of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund badge. The Nagpur district was honored for achieving its collection target, with recognition given to the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, and other department heads.

Flower vendors from Nagpur city, Ashish Gadikar and Santosh Gadikar, were specially honored by Chief Minister Fadnavis for contributing ₹500 per month from their daily earnings to the fund. Additionally, war veterans from the 1965 and 1971 conflicts, Major Hemant Jakate contributed ₹50,000, and Mrs. Geeta Kothe contributed ₹1 lakh to the 2025 fund collection, and they were felicitated.

The meritorious children of former soldiers were also honored by Chief Minister Fadnavis. The proposal was made by the District Soldiers’ Welfare Officer Major Anand Patharkar. The program was conducted by Sanjay Kumar Kevate, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Major Pandhari Chavan.

Nagpur District’s Outstanding Performance in Flag Day Fund Collection

In 2024, Nagpur district was assigned a target of ₹2.15 crore for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The district exceeded expectations, collecting ₹3.51 crore (164% of the target), marking an outstanding performance in the state. For 2025, the district has been assigned a target of ₹2.15 crore.