As Uttarakhand marked its 25th year of statehood, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami led the celebrations by honouring the state’s strong military tradition. On Thursday, he inaugurated the Ex-Servicemen’s Conference at MBPG College, Haldwani, in the presence of hundreds of retired soldiers, Veer Naris (wives of martyrs), and their families. The event served as both a tribute to the state’s defenders and a platform to announce several new welfare measures for servicemen and their families.
Dhami began his address by calling Uttarakhand the “land of soldiers and sacrifice.” He reminded the audience that almost every family in the state has a member who has served or is serving in the armed forces. He added that the courage, discipline, and patriotism of Uttarakhand’s soldiers have played a vital role in shaping the nation’s defence history.
During the event, the Chief Minister announced a series of reforms aimed at improving the lives of ex-servicemen and their dependents. One of the major decisions was the restructuring and modernisation of the Sainik Welfare Department. Dhami said that the move would help make the department’s work more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of soldiers and their families.
He also announced the reconstruction of District Sainik Welfare Offices and residential buildings in Haldwani, Almora, and Pauri. These new buildings will provide better facilities for veterans visiting the offices for official work or welfare support.
In a significant financial decision, Dhami said that the assistance given to Veer Naris for constructing homes will be raised from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh. This, he added, would help widows of fallen soldiers live with dignity and security. The Chief Minister also announced plans to build a modern hostel in Haldwani that will accommodate 150 children of servicemen. The hostel will offer quality education, safe housing, and a supportive environment for the children of those who serve or have served in the armed forces.
Dhami said these initiatives are part of the government’s long-term plan to ensure that the sacrifices of soldiers are always honoured and their families are never left behind. “Our servicemen have given everything for the country. It is our duty to ensure that their families receive the respect and support they deserve,” he said.
Chief Minister Dhami also highlighted India’s increasing strength and self-reliance in defence production. He referred to Operation Sindhu Megh, in which indigenous weapons such as the BrahMos and Akash missiles demonstrated the nation’s growing military capability. He said that such achievements underline the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing.
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Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, who also addressed the gathering, praised the role of Uttarakhand’s soldiers in maintaining the state’s proud reputation as one of the most soldier-dense regions in India. He said that the government is committed to expanding welfare measures, housing, healthcare, and education for ex-servicemen and their families.
The conference concluded with a heartfelt tribute to fallen soldiers and a collective pledge to continue working toward their families’ welfare. For many in attendance, the event was not just a celebration of the state’s silver jubilee but also a powerful reminder of Uttarakhand’s spirit of courage and service.
Dhami assured the gathering that the government would continue to introduce new initiatives for the welfare of the armed forces community. He also encouraged youth to take inspiration from the soldiers’ courage and contribute to the nation’s development.
As Uttarakhand celebrated 25 years of its formation, the conference stood as a symbol of gratitude — acknowledging the sacrifices that helped build the state and the nation. Through these new welfare measures, the government aims to ensure that the legacy of Uttarakhand’s brave hearts continues to shine for generations to come.
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