Military Families Are Nation's Strength: CM Yogi at Meerut Reunion
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the grand Ex-Servicemen Reunion Ceremony held on the historic land of revolution in Meerut today—Saturday, November 14, 2026—declaring that military families embody the true strength and glorious heritage of the nation. Ahead of joining veterans, serving officers, and Veer Naris at Kulwant Singh Stadium in Meerut Cantonment, the Chief Minister shared a heartfelt message on social media platform X, noting that the ceremony offered a special occasion to express gratitude toward Uttar Pradesh's 5.19 lakh ex-servicemen and their extended families. Representing a vast military community of approximately 15 to 20 lakh (1.5 to 2 million) citizens across the state, these households stand as living symbols of national resilience, discipline, and sacrifice. For readers and military families across Lucknow, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Bijnor, Ghazipur, Kanpur, Jhansi, and New Delhi, CM Yogi’s message and address reinforced the double-engine government’s resolve to ensure dignity, financial security, and post-retirement opportunities for every uniformed hero.
New India Places Soldiers' Honour and Strength at the Forefront
Underscoring Uttar Pradesh’s vital role in safeguarding India’s borders, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pointed out that out of roughly 60,000 soldiers retiring across the country each year, between 10,000 and 12,000 belong to Uttar Pradesh. This substantial share stands as a powerful testament to the state’s enduring contribution to national defense.
Drawing a clear contrast with previous administrations, the Chief Minister stated that earlier governments kept the long-pending One Rank, One Pension (OROP) demand unresolved for decades, reflecting a lack of priority toward the dignity of soldiers and the welfare of martyr families. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he affirmed, New India places the honor, welfare, and operational strength of the armed forces at the very top of national governance.
Concrete Welfare Milestones: ₹50 Lakh Aid, Jobs, and 20% Agniveer Quota
Reiterating that honoring soldiers, supporting martyr families, and empowering veterans constitute a solemn national resolve rather than mere formality, CM Yogi highlighted major policy decisions implemented by the double-engine government in Uttar Pradesh:
| Welfare & Defence Initiative in Uttar Pradesh | Key Figures & Policy Commitment |
| State Military Community Footprint | 5.19 lakh ex-servicemen and roughly 15–20 lakh family members across Uttar Pradesh |
| Annual Soldier Retirements From UP | 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers retire from UP every year (out of ~60,000 nationwide) |
| Martyr Family Ex-Gratia & Employment | ₹50 lakh financial assistance (increased from ₹20 lakh) plus a government job for one dependent |
| Agniveer Reservation in UP Recruitment | 20% reservation in UP Police and 5% reservation in Group 'B' posts for Agniveers |
| Veteran Re-Employment Achievement | Employment facilitated for more than 31,700 ex-servicemen across the state |
| Defence Self-Reliance & Infrastructure | UP Defence Industrial Corridor, BrahMos missile facility in Lucknow, 13 ECHS polyclinics, and 8 Sainik Kalyan offices |
Uttar Pradesh Emerging as a New Hub of Defence Self-Reliance
Beyond financial and employment support, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized how Uttar Pradesh is rapidly transforming into a cornerstone of India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Citing the Indian Army’s exemplary valor during Operation Sindoor alongside rapid industrial expansion across the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and BrahMos supersonic missile manufacturing in Lucknow, he noted that the state is actively equipping India’s armed forces with next-generation indigenous capability. Additionally, the state government has approved land transfers for 13 new ECHS polyclinics and inaugurated new Sainik Kalyan offices across eight districts—ensuring accessible healthcare, pension support, and dignified rehabilitation for veterans close to home.
