DEHRADUN, 9 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday paid floral tributes to the martyrs of the Uttarakhand statehood agitation at Shaheed Sthal at District Collectorate here. Marking the Silver Jubilee year of Uttarakhand’s formation, the CM later also honoured statehood agitationists and the families of statehood martyrs at the Rajya Aandolankaari Sammaan Samaroh (State Agitator Honour Ceremony) held at the Police Lines here. In a symbolic tribute, flower petals were showered from a helicopter on the statehood agitationists assembled at Shaheed Sthal at the Collectorate premises and the Police Lines. On this occasion, Dhami also made seven key announcements towards welfare of the statehood agitationists and their families including a hike in the pension.
Addressing the gathering, the CM reminded that the creation of Uttarakhand was not merely a political act but culmination of immense sacrifices, struggle, and penance by the people of Devbhoomi. He also recalled the painful and historic incidents of Khatima, Mussoorie, and Rampur Tiraha and described them as immortal chapters of the state’s history. On this occasion, paying homage to all known and unknown martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause, Dhami reiterated that the State Government accords the highest priority to the honour and welfare of the statehood agitationists. He emphasised that the pensions and the facilities extended to them are not acts of charity but symbols of the State’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Announcing several welfare measures on this occasion, the CM declared that key infrastructure facilities in the native areas of the martyred statehood agitationists will be named after them. He also announced that the monthly pension for those who were jailed for seven days or injured during the agitation will be raised from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000. For other statehood agitationists not falling under these categories, the pension will be enhanced from Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,500 per month. The pension for those rendered completely bedridden due to disability during the agitation will be increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per month, with the additional provision of a medical attendant for their care.
Dhami declared that the dependents of the statehood martyrs will also receive an increased pension, from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,500 per month. Further, a six-month extension has been granted for the disposal of pending applications regarding the identification of statehood agitationists submitted at the District Magistrate offices up to 2021. He also announced that all the martyrs’ memorials across the state will be beautified.
Dhami asserted that the State Government will continue to honour the contribution of the statehood agitationists and ensure that their spirit remains embedded in every policy and decision. He appealed to the people of Uttarakhand to light five earthen lamps in their homes on State Formation Day in memory of the statehood agitationists, symbolising the collective gratitude of the people towards the heroes of the movement.
He further emphasised that the ideals and spirit of the statehood agitation continue to inspire the government in its resolve to make Uttarakhand one of the most progressive and prosperous states in the country.
Among those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Ganesh Joshi and Subodh Uniyal, MP Tehri Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah, Rajya Sabha MPs Mahendra Bhatt and Naresh Bansal, MLAs Vinod Chamoli, Khajandas, Umesh Sharma Kau, and Savita Kapoor, Vice Chairman of the State Agitationists Honour Council Subhash Barthwal, DM Savin Bansal, Senior SSP Ajai Singh, and a large number of statehood agitationists.
