Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone for the hill state of Uttarakhand, extending his warm greetings on the occasion of its 25th foundation anniversary. In a message shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister praised the state's progress and its people.
Prime Minister's Heartfelt Wishes for Devbhoomi
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his heartfelt best wishes to every resident of Uttarakhand. He described the state, often called Devbhoomi, as a place nestled in nature that is now achieving remarkable progress in various sectors, with a special mention of its advancements in tourism and overall development.
"On the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Uttarakhand, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all my brothers and sisters of the state," PM Modi stated. He added, "On this special occasion of the state, I pray for the happiness and prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health of the humble, hardworking, and divine-like people here."
Chief Minister's Tribute: Enhanced Pensions for Statehood Activists
In a separate but related development, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made a significant announcement a day before the state's Foundation Day. At an event held on Saturday, the Chief Minister declared a substantial increase in monthly pensions for the activists who fought for the creation of the state.
The key changes to the pension scheme are as follows:
- The pension for statehood activists who were jailed for a minimum of seven days or were injured during the movement has been raised from ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per month.
- Pensions for other activists involved in the movement have been increased from ₹4,500 to ₹5,500 per month.
- Activists who suffered injuries or were completely disabled during the agitation will now receive ₹30,000 per month, up from ₹20,000, and will also be provided with a medical attendant.
- Dependents of activists who were killed during the movement will see their pension rise from ₹3,000 to ₹5,500 per month.
Honouring the Legacy and a Call to Action
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that his government will always hold the contributions of the statehood activists in the highest regard. He assured that their spirit and sacrifice would be reflected in every policy and decision made by the administration.
In a symbolic gesture, the Chief Minister urged citizens to light five lamps in their homes on State Foundation Day as a tribute to the heroes of the statehood movement. He stated that the spirit of the Uttarakhand movement continues to be a source of inspiration for the collective mission to make the state one of the best in the country.
These announcements, combining the Prime Minister's vision for development and the Chief Minister's tangible support for the state's founders, set a reflective and forward-looking tone for Uttarakhand's 25th anniversary celebrations.
