Dehradun, July 27 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday announced that the ex-gratia amount given by the state government to Param Vir Chakra awardees would be increased from Rs.1.5 crore to Rs.2 crore, as he paid tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. To mark Kargil Vijay Diwas (Shaurya Diwas), Dhami laid a floral wreath at the Shaheed Smarak in Gandhi Park, Dehradun, and paid homage to the soldiers who died in the war. He also honoured the families of Kargil bravehearts at the event. Dhami said the sacrifice, valour and patriotism of the Kargil bravehearts would remain an enduring source of inspiration for the people of the country. He said the Kargil victory was an immortal symbol of the Indian Army's courage, valour and patriotism. "Indian soldiers defeated the enemy while fighting at altitudes of more than 18,000 feet and in extremely difficult conditions, demonstrating their bravery, high morale and determination", he added. According to Dhami, 527 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War, including 75 from Uttarakhand. He said the state's contribution to the armed forces had earned it the distinction of being not only Devbhoomi (Land of Gods) but also Veerbhoomi (Land of Heroes). The chief minister said the state government was committed to the welfare of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and the families of bravehearts. The ex-gratia amount provided to the dependents of bravehearts has already been increased from Rs.10 lakh to Rs.50 lakh, while financial assistance for gallantry award recipients has also been enhanced, he said. Dhami said the government had also introduced several measures for the welfare of soldiers and their families. "These include providing government jobs to one family member of a fallen soldier, extending the period for applying for such appointments from two to five years, financial assistance for the marriage of daughters of bravehearts families, free travel in State Transport Corporation buses for gallantry award recipients and stamp duty exemptions on property purchases by serving and retired military personnel," he said. The government is also simplifying the arms licensing process for ex-servicemen and will work towards expediting the disposal of pending land fraud cases involving soldiers and ex-servicemen in district courts, he said. Dhami said the construction of Sainya Dham at Guniyal village in Dehradun, envisioned as the state's "Fifth Dham", was in its final stages. The memorial, being built using sacred soil collected from the homes of bravehearts from across Uttarakhand, would inspire future generations to uphold patriotism, selflessness and sacrifice, he added. The CM also said the state government was taking steps to secure employment opportunities for Agniveers after their service. He said the "country's first Agniveer Employment Cell was being established for discharged Agniveers and that efforts were underway to give them priority in recruitment to the Uttarakhand Police, Forest Department and other state services". He said skill development training, self-employment opportunities, support under the homestay scheme and special assistance in border areas were also being provided to help Agniveers build a secure future. Sainik Welfare minister Ganesh Joshi said Kargil Vijay Diwas symbolised the courage, valour and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Army. He said the state government, under the leadership of Dhami, was committed to the welfare of soldiers, ex-servicemen and bravehearts families....