P.Modi describes Armys self-confidence as biggest weapon

Bhopal. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has said that the self-confidence of the Army is its biggest weapon. The self-confidence comes when countrymen extend fullest support. Shri Modi was speaking at Shourya Samman Sabha – a public meeting organised here today to pay respect to valour of martyrs on the occasion of public dedication ceremony of Shourya Smarak.

Shri Modi said that the Indian Army performs valour. He described Indian army as glaring example of humanity. Referring to devastating calamities that hit Badrinath, Kedarnath and Shrinagar, Shri Modi said that the Army saved many lives without any discrimination.  He said that Indian Army stands as the best army in the world in terms of discipline, conduct and behaviour towards civic society.  He said that India is the biggest contributor to Peace Keeping Force.  Referring to Yemen crisis, the Prime Minister said that Indian Army rescued many people regardless of their nationality.

The Prime Minister said that India’s history says that India has not made any aggression but never  stepped back if it was a fight for values.  He said as many as 1.50 lakh Indian soldiers made supreme sacrifice in the world war first and second whereas the wars had nothing to do with us. This needs to keep in mind and make the world remember this.

The Prime Minister said that the every citizen should feel proud of Indian Army. When we sleep peacefully they guard the borders. Now it is time for us to stay awakened. He appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Government for the remarkable work. He described the Shourya Smarkas as Temple of Inspiration.

Listing the welfare steps taken for the Armymen, Shri Modi said that the promise of one rank one pension has been fulfilled. It is being given in four instalments. So far Rs. 5500 crore have tone to accounts of servicemen.  He said that seventh pay commission benefit would be given on the salary worked out after one rank one pension.  He said that those in the Army would be given training in skill development one year before their retirement so that the skill development certificate proves helpful after their retirement.

Shri Modi said that every year 50 thousand soldiers’ families are being given help through Defence Minister’s Discretionary Fund. He said that upto Havaldars post army men on retirement will get Rs. 50 thousand for marriage of their daughters. Earlier this amount is only 16 thousand. Problem faced by the disabled servicemen in getting certificate has been eradicated. For medical assistance, 472 new hospitals have been authorized in the country for retired servicemen treatment among these 64 belongs to M.P. All efforts are being made for achieving self-reliance in defence production.

Minister for Defence Shri Manohar Parrikar said that India is known for bravery. The world has seen the valour of Indian soliders in 1965 and 1971 wars. Many martyrs belong to Madhya Pradesh. He commended the Madhya Pradesh Government for establishing Shourya Smarak saying that it has come up at the time when India’s soldiers have proved their bravery.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Rs. 5000 per month would be given to parents of martyrs as honourarium. The Army Welfare Housing Association would be given land at Bhopal or wherever convenient for the housing facilities of ex-soldiers. The youth would be given training for admission to National Defence Academy and National Military Academy.

The Chief Minister said that it is the time to respect courage of Indian soldiers. It has frustrated the ill-designs of the enemies. The nation is indebted to the Army and its brave soldiers. Describing Shourya Smarak as temple of bravery, he said that brave soldiers must be worshipped. The sacred soil collected from the birth places of martyrs from across the state would be placed at the Shourya Smarak.

Shri Chouhan said that the Prime Minister Shri Modi is like a super human and a great inspiration teaching us how to live for the mother nation.

Shri Chouhan presented memento of replica of “Shaurya Stambh” to the Prime Minister, Governor Shri O.P. Kohli and Shri Parrikar. Those present included ex-servicemen, distinguished citizens in a large number.

Union Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural development Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of State for Health Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, BJP State president and MP Shri Nand Kumar Singh Chouhan, Member of Parliament Shri Alok Sanjar, State’s Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development Shri Gopal Bahrgava, Minister for Revenue Shri Umashankar Gupta, Minister of State for Cooperatives Shri Vishwas Sarang, Bhopal mayor Shri Alok Sharma were present on the dais. Minister for Home Shri Bhupendra Singh gave a vote of thanks.