July 26, 2009 :Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal has reiterated his Government’s resolve for the welfare of serving solders, ex-servicemen and their families and added that Himachal Pradesh has been contributing significantly for the armed forces of the country. He said that there were 1.21 lakh serving soldiers in the armed forces from Himachal Pradesh and State had over 1.01-lakh ex-servicemen.
Paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of Kargil aggression on the auspicious occasion of Vijay Diwas, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that 52 brave sons of the State made supreme sacrifices and lost their lives while giving befitting reply to the enemies. He said out of the four Param Vir Chakra given during Kargil aggression, two were given to the brave sons of Himachal Pradesh, one to Captain Vikram Batra, posthumously and one to Rifleman Sanjay Kumar.
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that the grateful Nation would always remember the martyrs of Kargil aggression for their sacrifices. He said that other martyrs who lost their lives while defending the country would also go in the history of brave sons of the Country.
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that he was one of the few first persons, who had visited Kargil, during aggression to enquire the welfare of soldiers. He said that though the contributions of martyrs and other who fought relentlessly for the cause of the country could not be compensated in any way, but State Government, as a mark of respect to them and their families had given package to Kargil aggression martyrs and those who got injuries while guarding the frontiers which was the best in the country. He said that an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lac was given to each family of the martyrs of Kargil aggression, Rs, 2.50 lakh each to those who got 50 per cent or above injury and Rs. one lakh each to, who got less than 50 per cent injury.
Chief Minister said that out of the 52 soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil during war, one person each from 40 families have been provided employment and of remaining 12 families the children were minor and
Government was committed to give them job when they will become eligible. He said, besides these, nine wards have been given employment of those soldiers who were injured seriously and were not in a position to continue in the service.
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that 267 soldiers who have lost their lives or got injuries while guarding the frontiers had also been given the financial assistance of Rs. 3 lac each to the martyrs, Rs. one lac each to those who sustained 50 per cent or above injuries and Rs. 50,000 to those who got less than 50 per cent injuries.
Chief Minister said that 39 cases of Kargil were recommended for sanctioning of petrol Pumps and LPG Agencies out of which 24 had been sanctioned and set up and remaining were in process.
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that the Government was also giving financial assistance of Rs. 25000 each to those soldiers who dies due to other causes.
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that after Kargil aggression, his Government had set up a Chief Minister’s Sainik Welfare Fund in the year 1999 and added that Rs. 12.31 crore had been sanctioned out of this for their welfare so far.
Chief Minister said that a separate Department of Sainik Welfare had been set up by the Government to ensure the welfare of the soldiers, besides setting up of Ex-Servicemen Corporation which helps the ex-servicemen in their rehabilitation.
Chief Minister said that State Government had enhanced the annuity as a mark of respect. He said that the annuity of Param Vir Chakra awardee has been enhanced from Rs. 4500 to Rs. 1.25 lac, Ashok Chakra awardee from Rs. 3600 to Rs. one lac, Kirti Chakra awardee from Rs. 3300 to Rs. 1 lac and Vir Chakra Awardees from Rs. 2400 to Rs. 50000. The annuities of all other gallantry and distinguished awardees have also been doubled, he added.
Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal said that the people of the State were proud of the contributions of the brave sons of the State. He said that they would remain a source of inspiration in times to come also.