Uttarakhand Hikes Param Vir Chakra Award Compensation To ₹1.5 Crore On Kargil Vijay Diwas

On the solemn occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a major welfare move. He increased the ex gratia amount for India’s most decorated soldiers. Awardees of the Param Vir Chakra will now receive ₹1.5 crore, up from ₹50 lakh.

Calling the decision a ‘symbol of unwavering respect for valour’, CM Dhami reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the honour and dignity of soldiers, ex-servicemen, and martyrs’ families. He made the announcement via a post on the social media platform X.

Taking to X, he posted, “The ex gratia amount awarded to soldiers honoured with the Param Vir Chakra would be increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1.50 crore, and approval has been granted to the proposal of the Soldier Welfare Department to implement this on the ground.”

Tributes Paid at Kargil Vijay Diwas Ceremony

Later in the day, CM Dhami paid tribute to the bravehearts of the 1999 Kargil War. He laid a wreath at Gandhi Park in Dehradun during a solemn ceremony.

The event saw floral tributes, emotional moments, and heartfelt gratitude expressed to the families of fallen soldiers.

The Chief Minister saluted the spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. He said, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just the celebration of a military victory; it is the immortal saga of sacrifice, duty, and national pride that can never be forgotten.”

CM Dhami was joined by Soldier Welfare Minister Ganesh Joshi. He also announced two new projects. These include an ECHS centre and rest house in Kaleshwar (Chamoli district) and a Sainik Rest House in Nainital.

Dhami Highlights India’s Military Resolve

In another post on social media, CM Dhami highlighted India’s growing military strength and praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He referred to the surgical strikes after Uri, the air strikes post-Pulwama, and the recent Operation Sindoor.

He stated, “A clear message has been given: Whoever dares to harm the dignity of our sisters and daughters will face complete destruction.”

CM Dhami also honoured ex-servicemen and families of martyrs during the event. He personally presented them with shawls and mementoes.

The Soldier Welfare Department organised the programme. Several dignitaries, including MP Naresh Bansal and local MLAs, attended.

Uttarakhand, often called the ‘land of the brave’, lost 75 soldiers in the Kargil War. The battle lasted over 60 days and ended on 26 July 1999. A total of 527 Indian soldiers laid down their lives, marking one of the most poignant chapters in the country’s military history.

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