Dehradun (Rajeev Sharma): Marking the solemn occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday announced a substantial increase in ex-gratia compensation for India’s highest-decorated soldiers. The amount awarded to Param Vir Chakra recipients has been raised from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, reflecting the state’s deep respect for military heroism.
Calling the move a “symbol of unwavering reverence for bravery,” Dhami said the decision reflects Uttarakhand’s enduring commitment to honouring the courage and sacrifice of its soldiers, veterans, and the families of martyrs.
The announcement was made via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where the Chief Minister expressed the state government’s heartfelt gratitude.
“The ex-gratia given to Param Vir Chakra awardees has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. This is a token of our government’s unshakable resolve to honour supreme bravery,” Dhami wrote.
As part of the commemorations, CM Dhami participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Gandhi Park in Dehradun to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil conflict. The ceremony featured floral tributes and emotional moments with families of the fallen.
“Kargil Vijay Diwas is more than a military triumph—it is a timeless narrative of courage, sacrifice, and national pride that will forever echo in our collective memory,” the Chief Minister said.
Accompanied by Soldier Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi, Dhami also announced two new infrastructure projects aimed at supporting veterans and serving personnel:
- An ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) centre and rest house in Kaleshwar, Chamoli district
- A Sainik Rest House in Nainital
Highlighting India’s growing defense stature under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhami referenced key military milestones like the surgical strikes after Uri, air strikes post-Pulwama, and the recent Operation Sindoor, asserting India’s readiness to protect its sovereignty.
“India has sent a clear message: any attack on the honour of our daughters and sisters will be met with complete and decisive retaliation,” he said in another social media post.
The ceremony also honoured ex-servicemen and families of Kargil martyrs with shawls and mementoes, a gesture of gratitude led personally by the Chief Minister. The event, organized by the Soldier Welfare Department, was attended by MP Naresh Bansal, local MLAs, and several dignitaries.
Uttarakhand, often referred to as the “Land of the Brave,” lost 75 soldiers in the Kargil War. The conflict, which lasted over 60 days, claimed the lives of 527 Indian soldiers and remains one of the most defining and emotional chapters in India’s military history.
