New Delhi, Aug 14 (NVI): Military modernisation through a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector remains the government’s top priority, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, asserting that the nation is committed to the welfare of serving and retired armed forces personnel and their families.
Addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day, Singh highlighted several measures taken for the welfare of defence personnel and their next of kin.
He said there has been a 300 per cent increase in the budget of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme over the past five years.
The Penury Grant under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000, while the Education Grant has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 and the Marriage Grant from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, he said.
“These decisions demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of our soldiers and their Next-of-Kin,” Singh said.
The defence minister also underlined the government’s focus on increasing opportunities for women in the armed forces and harnessing their potential in national security and nation-building.
He said the commissioning of the first batch of female cadets trained at the National Defence Academy as officers in the three Services marked a historic milestone.
“This is proof that courage and leadership are not confined to any gender,” Singh said.
He also cited ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the first tri-service, all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni, as a symbol of women’s empowerment.
Recalling India’s freedom struggle, Singh paid tribute to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sarojini Naidu and Rani Gaidinliu, besides countless known and unknown heroes who laid the foundation of independent India.
He said the responsibility of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, unity and integrity now rests with the armed forces.
“Even in adverse circumstances, the steadfast resolve of our soldiers ensures that the citizens realise their dreams in a safe environment,” he said, adding that the courage, commitment and discipline of the armed forces remain a source of inspiration for every Indian.
The nation will remain indebted to the soldiers for their service, sacrifice and dedication, Singh said.
He also noted that this year’s Independence Day has special significance as 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’.
Singh called upon citizens to celebrate the occasion with enthusiasm and contribute to nation-building.
He expressed confidence that the Independence Day celebrations would strengthen the spirit of patriotism and service to the nation and urged people to make meaningful contributions towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.(NVI)
