Tribune News Service,Dehradun, December 16

Chief Minister Harish Rawat today sanctioned an assistance of Rs 2 crore for the Soldiers Welfare Board for carrying out welfare activities for retired defence personnel.Harish Rawat, while addressing the gathering at a function held at Gandhi Park here to commemorate Vijay Diwas, said the government was committed to addressing the grievances of war widows and retired defence personnel. He promised to provide employment to one member of a martyr’s family on priority.The Chief Minister added the government would ensure that quality education was provided in state government schools. He honoured war widows and members of martyr Subedar Dharam Singh’s family on the occasion.Harish Rawat said defence personnel from Uttarakhand had played a pivotal role in pre and post- Independence wars. He added it was a matter of pride that a number of people from Uttarakhand were serving in defence forces.He appreciated the efforts of the Army during the natural disaster in the state in 2013. Soldiers Welfare Minister Harak Singh Rawat said the government had increased the stipend of block representatives from Rs 2,500 to Rs 6,000 per month.He said Sainik Schools had been opened at Agustmuni and Haldwani.The minister said every year, the nation commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971, which led to liberation of Bangladesh.Later in the day, the Chief Minister attended another function organised by the Dakra Bazaar Jhanda Committee.He paid floral tributes to martyrs at Shaheed Chowk. He honoured the mother of martyr Manoj Rana.Harish Rawat said the government had approved a monetary compensation of Rs 6 lakh and Rs 4 lakh for the wife and mother of a martyr, respectively.He said a large number of youths from the remote villages participate in Army recruitment rallies organised in the state on a regular basis. MLAs Raj Kumar and Ganesh Joshi, Hamesh, Lalit, Dr Jeet Ram, Soldiers Welfare Board director Col (retd) Amitabh Singh attended the function.Golden Key Divisioncelebrates Vijay DiwasThe Golden Key Division celebrated Vijay Diwas in Dehradun on Wednesday. The Division honoured the brave and courageous men of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives fighting with the Pakistan Army in the 1971 War. Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on December 16. On this day, India defeated Pakistan after 14 days of war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.A wreath laying ceremony was organised at Prerna Sthal in Clement Town on the occasion. Major General M S Ghura, Vishist Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding, Golden Key Division, laid the wreath on behalf of all ranks of the Division.