Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 26 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday increased the ex-gratia amount given to the families of 'martyrs' from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, according to a statement from the Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The lump sum and annual amount given to the soldiers decorated with gallantry awards has also been increased. The ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra winners has now been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore. It has been decided to provide employment-orientated training of drone operation to ex-servicemen and daughters as Drone Didi.

The government has also provided the facility of free travel to Badrinath Dham for ex-servicemen, soldiers' widows, and Veer Naris who have reached the age of 60 years.

The state government has made arrangements to take one member of the family of martyred soldiers in government service. So far, 37 dependents of 'martyrs' have been provided government jobs. Under this scheme, the period for applying for government jobs has also been increased from two years to five years.

The Dhami government is preparing to provide a 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in the recruitment of police, transport, forest, and other departments. A proposal in this regard will be brought for cabinet approval. Agniveers who complete four years of service under the Agneepath scheme will get its benefit, as per the release.

Along with a free travel facility in Uttarakhand, Roadways buses are also being provided to gallantry award-winning soldiers and ex-servicemen. Serving and ex-servicemen are being given a 25 per cent discount on stamp duty for the purchase of a permanent property worth up to Rs 25 lakh. Special efforts are being made by the state government to support the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents through various schemes, including the daughter marriage grant. 'Martyr memorials' are being constructed across the state.

As per the statement, schools and roads have been named after the martyrs. A Sainik Milan Kendra and CSD canteen are being constructed in Khatima, and a grand Sainik rest house with modern facilities is being constructed in Tanakpur.

Over the last four years, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government has taken several significant decisions aimed at the honour and welfare of soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their families.

According to the release, the construction work on the grand Shaurya Sthal (Military Dham) in Dehradun, in memory of the immortal martyrs, is in its final stage. This military dham contains water from 28 rivers across the state and soil brought from the homes of 'martyred' soldiers. (ANI)