- State has a proud tradition of serving the Armed Forces: CM
The State Government has accorded high priority to the welfare of ex-servicemen, war widows, dependents of defence personnel, gallantry award winners and serving members of the Armed Forces. The Sainik Welfare Department has implemented various financial assistance schemes and welfare measures to provide social security, rehabilitation support and assistance to defence personnel and their families.
During the financial year 2025-26, financial assistance and grants of Rs. 17.09 crore have been provided under various welfare activities, benefiting 2,263 beneficiaries. Under the Old Age Pension Scheme, Rs. 6.13 crore has been provided to 968 beneficiaries. An amount of Rs. 3 crore has also been released to 1,084 gallantry award winners of the State in recognition of their distinguished service and acts of exceptional courage.
The Government has extended Rs. 7.62 crore to 57 dependents of defence personnel who were killed or disabled in action. Further, Rs. 20.83 lakh has been provided to 154 War-Jagir beneficiaries, while Rs. 6 lakh has been released to the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres at Pune and Mohali.
As an immediate assistance measure, Rs. 75,000 is provided to the Next of Kin (NOKs) of Armed Forces personnel who die during service. In addition, Rs. 6.74 lakh has been allocated for the maintenance of Sainik Welfare Buildings. These measures are aimed at providing timely support to defence personnel and their families during critical circumstances.
The State Government has also continued to support the recruitment of youth into the Armed Forces. During 2025-26, Rs. 2.28 crore has been sanctioned for organizing Army Recruitment Rallies in Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi and Shimla districts. To strengthen training and preparatory facilities for Armed Forces aspirants, Rs. 10.26 crore has been provided for the Major Somnath Sharma Training Academy, Barchwar, Mandi, during the financial year 2025-26. The facility provides training and guidance to youth aspiring to join the Armed Forces.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the Armed Forces personnel have been making an invaluable contribution to the security and integrity of the Nation and the State Government remains committed to the welfare of the soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families. He said that every possible support would be extended to war widows, dependents of defence personnel, gallantry award winners and other eligible beneficiaries through effective implementation of welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister further said that Himachal Pradesh has a long and proud tradition of contributing to the Armed Forces, with the State’s youth serving the nation with courage, discipline and dedication. He said that the Government would continue to strengthen welfare infrastructure, recruitment support and training facilities.
