Addressing the historic land of revolution in Meerut today—Saturday, November 14, 2026—Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described military families as the living embodiment of India's national strength and glorious martial heritage. Participating in the mega Ex-Servicemen Reunion Ceremony at Kulwant Singh Stadium in Meerut Cantonment, the Chief Minister paid rich tribute to the state's 5.19 lakh military veterans and their extended families comprising 15 to 20 lakh citizens. Ahead of joining the gathering—and while addressing soldiers, veterans, and Veer Naris from the dais—CM Yogi emphasized that honoring uniformed personnel and securing a dignified life for martyr families is not a ceremonial formality, but a sacred national resolve of the double-engine government. For veterans and citizens across Meerut, Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Bijnor, Ghazipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, and New Delhi, the Chief Minister outlined key welfare numbers, post-retirement employment milestones, and Uttar Pradesh's rapid emergence as a hub of indigenous defense manufacturing.

Uttar Pradesh's Contribution to National Security and Criticism of Past Delay on OROP

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's deep bond with the Indian Armed Forces, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath noted that while approximately 60,000 soldiers retire across India each year, between 10,000 and 12,000 of them hail from Uttar Pradesh alone. Referencing iconic military hubs across the state—from western UP's cantonment belts to Ghazipur's famed Gahmar village—he remarked that whether stationed in the freezing heights of Siachen or the scorching sands of Rajasthan, UP's sons and daughters stand steadfast on every frontier.

Contrasting current policies with earlier administrations, CM Yogi stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New India has placed soldiers' dignity and national security at the very top of governance. He pointed out that previous governments kept the long-standing One Rank, One Pension (OROP) demand pending for decades, whereas the current leadership resolved OROP, abrogation of Article 370, and decisive counter-terrorism operations—citing the Indian Armed Forces' valor during Operation Sindoor as proof of India's uncompromising security doctrine.

₹50 Lakh Martyr Aid, Government Jobs, and 20% Agniveer Reservation in UP Police

Reaffirming his government's commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their dependents, CM Yogi Adityanath detailed concrete financial and employment measures implemented in Uttar Pradesh:

Alongside the ₹50 lakh ex-gratia grant and guaranteed government employment for one dependent of martyred personnel, the Chief Minister underscored the state cabinet's landmark decision granting 20 percent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in Uttar Pradesh Police recruitment and 5 percent reservation in Group 'B' posts, ensuring disciplined youth transition seamlessly into state service.

Uttar Pradesh Emerging as a Pillar of Self-Reliance in Defence Production

Beyond veteran welfare, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted how Uttar Pradesh is driving India's Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in defense manufacturing. Pointing to rapid industrial expansion across the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor—including BrahMos supersonic cruise missile manufacturing in Lucknow—he noted that central and state governments are working in tandem to transform UP into a premier center for indigenous defense production and strategic self-reliance. Concluding his message to the veterans assembled in Meerut, CM Yogi reiterated that caring for retired soldiers, resolving pension and banking grievances under one roof, and honoring martyr families remain foremost priorities of his administration.