Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced three welfare measures for ex-servicemen and families of fallen soldiers at an ex-servicemen rally in Meerut on Saturday, including a higher stamp duty exemption for residential properties and doubled state gallantry award payments.
The measures were announced during a rally organised by the Indian Army at Kalwant Singh Stadium and attended by around 2,500 to 3,000 ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their dependents from western Uttar Pradesh. The event was organised by Surya Command through Headquarters Pashchim Uttar Pradesh Sub Area.
Under the announcement, the state government will double the Veerta Puraskar amount for gallantry awardees from Uttar Pradesh. The source report did not specify the earlier or revised monetary amount of the award.
The government will also raise the ceiling for stamp duty exemption on residential properties purchased by veterans and families of fallen soldiers. The announcement directly links the welfare measure to residential property transactions, but the revised ceiling and the date from which it will apply were not specified in the available information.
The third measure concerns employment for dependents of fallen soldiers. The state will facilitate employment for them in their home districts, according to the announcement. The source report did not provide details on the posts covered, eligibility conditions, recruiting department or implementation process.
The housing-related decision adds a property and administrative dimension to the welfare package. Stamp duty is a state-linked cost incurred during the registration of property transactions, and any change in the exemption ceiling can affect the cost of residential purchases by eligible beneficiaries. The announcement, however, did not clarify whether the revised exemption will apply to all eligible residential purchases or under specific conditions.
Lieutenant General Sanjay Mitra, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, attended the rally and reiterated the Army’s commitment to veterans’ welfare. Veer Naris were felicitated during the programme, while distinguished veterans were honoured for their contributions.
The rally also included dedicated assistance counters for pension-related grievances, documentation issues, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme facilities and other welfare matters. These counters provided an avenue for veterans and dependents to raise administrative and service-related concerns during the event.
The announcements place residential property relief, financial recognition and local employment within a single welfare package for the state’s veterans and the families of fallen soldiers. Further details on the revised stamp duty ceiling, award amounts and employment arrangements remain to be issued by the Uttar Pradesh government.
