Dehradun, Nov. 7 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday announced a major reorganisation and strengthening of the Sainik Welfare Department, aiming to make its functioning more transparent and effective so that the benefits of such welfare schemes could reach every soldier's family. The chief minister made the announcement while inaugurating the 'Ex-Servicemen Conference' held in Haldwani to mark the silver jubilee of Uttarakhand's formation. A large number of ex-servicemen and their families from across the state attended the event. The chief minister was accorded a grand welcome and flower petals were showered on the veteran soldiers as a gesture of gratitude for their contribution to the state's creation and national service. "Every family in Uttarakhand can proudly say that someone from their family serves Mother India," Dhami said, adding that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is truly a land of heroes where patriotism and sacrifice are deeply rooted in the culture. Announcing several welfare measures, the chief minister said that District Sainik Welfare Offices and residential buildings in Haldwani, Almora, and Pauri will be renovated to provide better facilities for ex-servicemen and war widows. The financial assistance for construction of houses for martyred soldiers' wives will also be increased from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.5 lakh, he added. Dhami further announced the construction of a modern hostel in Haldwani for 150 children of soldiers, offering them quality education and safe accommodation. "A soldier is never a former soldier--he is always a soldier," Dhami said, highlighting the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines the armed forces. He emphasised that there is no place for anti-national thinking in India, adding that the country is moving rapidly towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with indigenous systems like BrahMos and Akash missiles proving their capability during Operation Sindhu Megh. At the conference, the chief minister also honoured 44 brave women, including 31 from Nainital and 13 from Udham Singh Nagar, presenting them with shawls and mementoes. Speaking on the occasion, Sainik Welfare minister Ganesh Joshi said, "Today is a day of pride and emotion for Uttarakhand. Honouring the Veer Naris is not just a formality, but a moment of glory for the entire state." added that the state government is committed to the welfare of soldiers and their families, noting that Uttarakhand's Sainya Dham will be inaugurated soon. Joshi informed that 6.4 hectares of land near the Sugarcane Centre in Haldwani has been earmarked for constructing the proposed hostel, whose foundation stone will soon be laid by the chief minister. He added that gallantry awardees have been provided free bus travel, and the state government has so far provided employment to over 22,000 ex-servicemen. Forest minister Subodh Uniyal, who was also present, said that Uttarakhand is a soldier-dominated state and the government remains committed to continuously improving welfare initiatives for serving personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families. "The government is continuously working to ensure that the soldiers who protect the nation's borders, and their families who stand by them, receive all possible support and honour," he said....