Kargil Vijay Diwas and State Defence Welfare Announcements
Source:latestly ↗
Why It Matters
UKPSC Prelims consistently features questions on state-specific current affairs, particularly those related to defense personnel, military memorials (Sainya Dham), and state initiatives (Agniveer Employment Cell). Knowledge of the location of Sainya Dham and enhanced gallantry awards ex-gratia is directly relevant.
Summary
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas (Shaurya Diwas), Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a hike in the ex-gratia grant for Param Vir Chakra awardees from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore. He highlighted ongoing state defense welfare measures, including a newly sanctioned Rs 50 lakh 'Agniveer Employment Cell' and the construction of 'Sainya Dham' (the state's Fifth Dham) in Dehradun. The CM also commended national initiatives such as the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and the establishment of the National War Memorial.
Key Points
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami increased the ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees from the state from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore.
- The announcement was made during Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed as 'Shaurya Diwas' at Gandhi Park in Dehradun, to honor martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War.
- An amount of Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned by the state government to establish an 'Agniveer Employment Cell' to assist returning Agniveers.
- The state is constructing 'Sainya Dham' at Guniyal village in Dehradun, conceptualized as the 'Fifth Dham' of Uttarakhand in honor of its soldiers.
Important Terms
One Rank One Pension (OROP)
A scheme ensuring that armed forces personnel retiring at the same rank and with the same length of service receive a uniform pension, regardless of their retirement date. It protects veterans' financial parity.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 & 3 (Governance/Security). Tests understanding of defense welfare policies, fiscal implications, and veteran affairs.
Param Vir Chakra
India's highest wartime military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of supreme valour, bravery, or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. It can be awarded posthumously.
UPSC context
GS Paper 1 & Prelims (Miscellaneous). Tests knowledge of national gallantry awards, military history, and post-independence honors.
Agnipath Scheme
A tour-of-duty recruitment model for the Indian Armed Forces, enlisting youth (Agniveers) for four years. It aims to lower the military's age profile and reduce pension burdens, with 25% retained permanently.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 & 3 (Security/Governance). Tests defense recruitment reforms, national security strategies, and their socio-economic impacts.
Agniveer Employment Cell
A state-level initiative by Uttarakhand to provide skill development, self-employment opportunities, and priority recruitment in state services like the police and forest department for retired Agniveers.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 (State Policies). Tests state-level welfare initiatives addressing the post-service rehabilitation of short-term armed forces recruits.
Prelims Trap
"Operation Vijay was an operation conducted exclusively in 1999 to evict Pakistani intruders from the Kargil heights."
"Operation Vijay" is the codename for two major distinct Indian operations: the 1961 liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule, and the 1999 Kargil War.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the hierarchy of Indian military gallantry awards?
- Wartime awards: The Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), and Vir Chakra (VrC) are awarded for conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
- Peacetime awards: The Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra are awarded for gallantry away from the battlefield (counter-insurgency, peacetime rescues).
- Highest honor: The PVC is India's highest military decoration, first awarded to Major Somnath Sharma of the Kumaon Regiment.
What are the architectural features of the National War Memorial in New Delhi?
- Chakravyuh layout: The memorial is designed as four concentric circles: Amar Chakra, Veerta Chakra, Tyag Chakra, and Rakshak Chakra.
- Eternal flame: The central obelisk houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti, symbolizing the immortality of the spirit of fallen soldiers since Independence.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Agnipath Scheme & State Capacity
Uttarakhand's 'Agniveer Employment Cell' highlights the transition of the Agnipath debate from central fiscal policy to state-level post-service absorption and rehabilitation mechanisms.
Koshyari Committee & OROP scheme
The Koshyari Committee (2011) laid the foundational definition for OROP, linking parliamentary committee oversight directly to major, long-standing military welfare reforms.
A Prelims question mixing National War Memorial architecture (Chakravyuh circles) with peacetime vs wartime Gallantry Awards is likely.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Headquarters of which of the following is located in Dehradun, the Capital of Uttarakhand ?
- 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which programme was approved by the Union Cabinet in April, 2025 to develop border villages ?
