'Govt to build 20 stadia for training youth for armed forces'

The state government will construct 20 stadia in mountainous areas where ex-servicemen will train youths to join Armed Forces, Uttrakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today said.
Rawat made the announcement at a programme held at the Gandhi Park here to commemorate the triumph of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
"There is tradition of valour and bravery and soldiers of the state have written new chapters of bravery in every war," he said, adding, in the 1971 Indo-Pak war undeterred courage was displayed.
Pakistan Army had to surrender with 90,000 of its troops. This was the first instance after Second World War. There are soldiers from villagers in Uttrakhand who inspired coming generations by displaying their valour, Rawat said.

"20 small stadiums will be constructed in hilly areas where ex-service will be trained to become coaches," he said.
"As trained coaches, these ex-servicemen will provide training to youths for joining Armed Forces and all the cost for this purpose will be borne by the state exchequer," he added.

He also announced that educational institutions will be named after soldiers and separate funds will be allocated for well-being of soldiers and members of para-military forces from the next budget.
Soldier Welfare Minister Harak Singh Rawat said that this day was to pay obeisance to the martyrs.
The minister said that the state government has made an arrangement to provide Rs 10 lakh for the families of the martyrs.

"The compensation is not any value as compared to the martyrdom and is just an effort to honour them," he added.
The chief minister also honoured soldiers and family members of martyrs who had won gallantry awards.