CM Yogi: Military Families Are the Nation's Strength
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in the historic "Kranti Dhara" of Meerut on Saturday to address a mega Ex-Servicemen Reunion Ceremony held at the Kulwant Singh Stadium in Meerut Cantonment. Paying glowing tributes to the nation's defense personnel, the Chief Minister asserted that military families and veterans represent the core pillars of India's internal strength, resilience, and glorious heritage.
Ahead of the grand convention, CM Yogi highlighted that Uttar Pradesh alone is home to approximately 5.19 lakh ex-servicemen and their families, forming a vast community of 1.5 to 2 million people whose unwavering patriotism continues to inspire generations.
A State Rooted in Valor: Uttar Pradesh's Contribution to National Defense
Emphasizing Uttar Pradesh's profound bond with the armed forces, Chief Minister Adityanath noted that out of the roughly 60,000 soldiers who retire annually across the country, 10,000 to 12,000 hail directly from Uttar Pradesh. This massive representation underscores the state's historical and ongoing contribution to safeguarding the nation’s sovereign borders.
"A soldier never truly retires; their uniform may change, but their absolute pledge to national devotion remains eternal," CM Yogi remarked during his address. Whether braving the sub-zero freezing heights of Siachen, the scorching sands of the western deserts, or assisting civilian authorities during national disasters, the Indian soldier stands resolute on every front.
Contrast With Past Regimes: Prioritizing Dignity Under Prime Minister Modi
Launching a sharp critique of previous political administrations, the Chief Minister pointed out that earlier central governments dragged their feet for decades over critical welfare demands such as "One Rank, One Pension" (OROP). He stated that national security and the welfare of martyr families were historically neglected, with past regimes often responding to cross-border threats with hesitation or diplomatic dossiers rather than decisive action.
Contrasting that era with the current political landscape, CM Yogi emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "New India" treats the honor, security, and welfare of its armed forces as an absolute national priority. Decisive counter-terror responses and robust strategic postures have dismantled the audacity of hostile actors, fostering an environment where national growth can proceed securely.
Uttar Pradesh Emerging as a Hub for Defense Self-Reliance
Highlighting concrete steps taken by the double-engine government, the Chief Minister underscored that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly transforming into a prominent center of defense self-reliance and manufacturing. From the Indian Army's tactical triumphs to the multi-nodal UP Defense Corridor and the state-of-the-art BrahMos missile manufacturing facility in Lucknow, the state is actively contributing to indigenous defense production.
The state administration has rolled out extensive support frameworks for veterans and martyr families, including:
Enhanced Ex-Gratia: Financial assistance for the families of fallen soldiers has been substantially increased from ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
Guaranteed Employment: Ensuring a government job for at least one dependent of every martyred soldier.
Agniveer & Public Sector Reservations: Implementing a 20% reservation quota for Agniveers in the UP Police and a 5% reservation in Group 'B' posts.
Direct Livelihood Support: Providing gainful employment opportunities to over 31,700 ex-servicemen across various state sectors.
The Meerut convention also featured unified single-window desks to resolve pending pension claims, document discrepancies, and welfare grievances, alongside special felicitations for Veer Naris (widows of martyrs). Concluding his address, CM Yogi reiterated that honoring those who wear the uniform and supporting their families is a sacred national duty that the government will continue to fulfill with utmost dedication.
