Bhopal: Praising the Indian Army, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the self-confidence of the Army is its biggest weapon. The self-confidence comes when countrymen extend fullest support. 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. 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, 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 neverstepped 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, Modi said that the promise of one rank one pension has been fulfilled. It is being given in four installments. 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.
Modi said that every year 50,000 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 50,000 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 MP. All efforts are being made for achieving self-reliance in defence production.