Dehradun, July 17
Uttarakhand will become the first state in the country to establish a special “Agniveer Cell” for Agniveers. Every youth who serves in the Army will be assured of a dignified future. The opportunity to serve the state has come to them with the blessings of the people of Devbhoomi. In the last five years, more than 34,000 youths have secured government jobs. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday participated in the “Yuva Agniveer Samvad” programme organized by Youth Foundation at the Youth Foundation Training Area, Kuwanwala, Dehradun.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that under the Tourism Department’s Homestay Scheme, special grants will be provided to ex‑servicemen and Agniveers to set up homestays. In border villages, special grants will also be sanctioned to local residents, ex‑servicemen, and Agniveers to develop infrastructure for self‑employment. A dedicated cell will be established to ensure that Agniveers returning after service can avail benefits of various state government schemes.
The Chief Minister said the state government is continuously working for the welfare of Agniveers, soldiers, and families of martyrs. The ex‑gratia amount for martyr families has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Dependents are being accommodated in government service. The application window for government jobs has been extended from 2 years to 5 years, and recognition for gallantry award recipients has been significantly enhanced. He added that special assistance is being provided for war widows and disabled soldiers, along with financial support for dignified funerals of ex‑servicemen.
The Chief Minister said the state government is continuously working for the welfare of Agniveers, soldiers, and families of martyrs. The ex‑gratia amount for martyr families has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Dependents are being accommodated in government service. The application window for government jobs has been extended from 2 years to 5 years, and recognition for gallantry award recipients has been significantly enhanced. He added that special assistance is being provided for war widows and disabled soldiers, along with financial support for dignified funerals of ex‑servicemen.
During his interaction with Agniveers, the Chief Minister said that honouring Agniveers is the government’s priority and it is fully committed to their bright future. He informed that the state government is providing quality and free training for youths preparing for recruitment. Agniveers completing their service will be given 10% horizontal reservation in state government services including police, forest department, and disaster management. Along with this, relaxation in maximum age limits and priority in recruitment processes will also be ensured. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government’s objective is to secure a dignified future for every youth who serves in the Army.
Dhami said becoming an Agniveer is not just about getting a job, but about receiving the highest opportunity of national service. The four years spent in the Army will be the greatest asset of an Agniveer’s life. He reiterated: “Our commitment to the honour and bright future of Agniveers is unwavering. Uttarakhand will be the first state in the country to establish a special Agniveer Cell.”
The Chief Minister said that as the Chief Servant of the state, he has always served the people. The opportunity to serve the state has come to him with the blessings of the people of Devbhoomi. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special attachment to Uttarakhand. From the land of Baba Kedarnath, the Prime Minister had declared the third decade of the 21st century as the “Decade of Uttarakhand.” The state government is working in line with his vision to make Uttarakhand the best state in India. In 2022, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the people of the state chose development and good governance. Today, the double‑engine government is driving development forward at double speed.
The Chief Minister said he himself is the son of a soldier. Since childhood, he has witnessed the discipline, sacrifice, and dedication of soldiers towards the nation. He learned values and discipline from his father. He said being among soldiers feels like being with his own family. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the state government has worked to move Uttarakhand forward positively. Today, Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). A strict anti‑cheating law has also been enforced in the state.
CM said the government has taken recruitment scams seriously and implemented a stringent anti‑cheating law, which provides for punishment up to life imprisonment. More than 100 cheating mafias have been sent to jail. As a result of this strict law, record recruitments have taken place in Uttarakhand. In the last five years, more than 34,000 youths have been given government jobs. He emphasized that jobs have been provided with complete transparency to eligible youths.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to abolish the Madrasa Board, thereby opening the doors of quality education for all. He stressed that every child has the right to study and progress. He added that work is being done in every sector of the state. For farmers, missions like Kiwi, Apple, and Timru have been launched. Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the Sustainable Development Goals index. The state has also been recognized as a Film Friendly State. Export indices have improved, and now the youth are promoting employment opportunities in their own villages and homes. In the past four years, more than 24 crore tourists have visited Uttarakhand during pilgrimages such as Char Dham Yatra, Adi Kailash Yatra, and winter tourism.