Military Families Are a Symbol of the Nation’s Strength and Glorious Tradition: CM Yogi

Lucknow, November 14: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the ‘Ex-Servicemen Reunion Ceremony’ in Meerut, the historic land of the 1857 revolt, on Saturday.

Ahead of the event, the Chief Minister shared a message on his social media account X, expressing gratitude to the state's ex-servicemen and their families. He said the occasion would provide an opportunity to honour the 5.19 lakh ex-servicemen in Uttar Pradesh and their families. Together, this large military community comprises an estimated 15 to 20 lakh people and represents the nation's strength and glorious tradition, he added.

The Chief Minister said that nearly 60,000 personnel retire from the armed forces every year, of whom approximately 10,000 to 12,000 belong to Uttar Pradesh. He said this reflects the state's significant contribution to the country's defence.

Referring to the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme, Yogi Adityanath said that the issue had remained pending for decades under previous governments. He alleged that honouring soldiers and supporting the families of martyrs had not received adequate priority in the past. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is giving priority to the honour and welfare of the armed forces.

Highlighting initiatives related to defence manufacturing, the Chief Minister referred to the valour of the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor, the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor and the manufacturing of BrahMos missiles in Lucknow. He said these initiatives are contributing to the state's role in defence production and self-reliance.

The Chief Minister also outlined several measures taken by the state government for the welfare of soldiers, martyrs' families and ex-servicemen. These include ₹50 lakh in ex-gratia assistance to the families of martyrs, government employment for one dependent of each martyr, 20 per cent reservation for Agniveers in the UP Police and 5 per cent reservation in Group ‘B’ posts.

He further stated that employment had been provided to more than 31,700 ex-servicemen.

Reiterating the government's commitment, Yogi Adityanath said that honouring soldiers, extending support to the families of martyrs and ensuring the welfare of ex-servicemen are not merely administrative responsibilities but a national commitment.