Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced three welfare measures for ex-servicemen, gallantry award winners, and their families during an Ex-Servicemen Reunion Ceremony in Meerut on Saturday. Addressing the event organized by the Western Uttar Pradesh Sub-Area at the Kulwant Singh Sports Stadium, he declared that the lump-sum and annual cash grants for gallantry awardees will be doubled. He also raised the stamp duty exemption limit on property purchases for ex-servicemen and their families from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that dependents of martyred soldiers will be provided government jobs in their home districts. Approximately three thousand ex-servicemen and Veer Naris from various districts of western Uttar Pradesh attended the gathering.
Speaking to the veterans, Adityanath stated that a soldier never retires, only their uniform changes. He noted that the state government is committed to ensuring dignity, security, and facilities for soldiers’ families alongside honoring the personnel themselves. During the ceremony, the Chief Minister inaugurated District Sainik Welfare and Rehabilitation offices and residential facilities constructed at a cost of Rs 27.50 crore across eight districts, namely Auraiya, Amethi, Gorakhpur, Chandauli, Shamli, Sant Kabir Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, and Sonbhadra. He also unveiled a book titled Shauryagatha. Lieutenant General Sanjay Mitra, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, and State Minister Dr. Somendra Tomar were present at the event alongside public representatives and military officials. Later, the Chief Minister visited Dr. Tomar’s residence in Shastri Nagar to pay tribute to his late father, Mahendra Singh Tomar.
Sharp Attack on Previous Governments Over National Security
During his address in Meerut and Hapur, Adityanath criticized previous governments, alleging that neither soldiers nor the armed forces received adequate respect during their tenures. He stated that earlier administrations merely sent dossiers after terrorist incidents, whereas terrorists now face decisive action. Referring to incidents involving soldiers and veterans during the previous Samajwadi Party regime, he remarked that certain opposition parties even demanded proof of military operations. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s role in self-reliant defense manufacturing, he noted that indigenous AK-203 rifles and BrahMos missiles are being produced in the state, adding that BrahMos played a key role against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. He also said the state’s Anti-Terrorism Squad is breaking the backbone of terrorism. In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister noted that Uttar Pradesh is home to 5.19 lakh ex-servicemen, forming a family base of 15 to 20 lakh people. He pointed out that out of 60,000 soldiers retiring annually across India, 10,000 to 12,000 belong to Uttar Pradesh, and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing the long-pending One Rank, One Pension scheme.
Inspection of Garhmukteshwar Fair Arrangements
Prior to the Meerut event, Adityanath conducted an on-site inspection of the Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Fair in Garhmukteshwar. Because fog prevented his helicopter from taking off, he traveled by road from Ghaziabad, arriving around 11:45 AM for an hour-long review. After inspecting shops and stalls in Sadar Bazaar, he offered milk to the Ganga and performed prayers. In a meeting with Amroha and Hapur officials, he directed them to remain on alert regarding cleanliness, security, and health facilities at the Kartik and Tigri fairs, while promoting local products under the Vocal for Local initiative.
Tablet Distribution and Other Engagements
On Sunday, the Chief Minister will distribute tablets to nearly 50,000 students from Lucknow, Hardoi, Sitapur, and Unnao at Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, which targets 25 lakh tablets this financial year. He also extended Chhath greetings and instructed officials to ensure proper arrangements at ghats. Separately, Adityanath attended the engagement ceremony of Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh and Saurabh Singh, grandsons of former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, presenting One District, One Product kits to the families.
