Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announces ex-gratia for armed forces personnel in case of casualty
Amritsar, July 26: As a mark of respect to brave soldiers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced to start ex-gratia grant for armed forces personnel in cases of physical casualty during service.
Besides, the Punjab CM also announced to double the ex-gratia of physically disabled soldiers and hiking the financial assistance of non-pensioner ex-servicemen of World War I and II.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led the state in paying homage to Kargil martyrs, who laid down their lives for safeguarding the borders of the country, at a function to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas at Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum in Amritsar.
Addressing the gathering after paying homage to the war heroes, Bhagwant Mann said recognising the immense contribution of soldiers, the state government had now decided to start ex-gratia worth Rs 25 lakh to physical casualty cases in the armed forces.
He said earlier, there was no such provision, but his government had taken this initiative as these valiant warriors also sacrificed their lives during call of duty. Bhagwant Mann said ex-gratia for the physically disabled soldiers had also been enhanced.
The Chief Minister said soldiers with 76 per cent to 100 per cent disability would now get Rs 40 lakh ex-gratia instead of Rs 20 lakh, soldiers with 51 per cent-75 per cent disability will now get Rs 20 lakh instead of existing Rs 10 lakh and those with 25 per cent -50 per cent disability would now get Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia instead of Rs 5 lakh.
He said the monthly financial assistance of non-pensioner ex-servicemen of World War I and II or their widows had been enhanced from the existing Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000. Bhagwant Mann said the state government was duty bound to secure the interests of these brave soldiers who had served the country selflessly.
The Chief Minister said this was an emotive function and the entire country felt proud of the supreme sacrifice made by these valiant sons. He said the soldiers perform their duty despite the vagaries of weather to ensure that the borders of the country were safeguarded. Bhagwant Mann said the countrymen would ever remain indebted to these national heroes for their bravery and selfless service to the nation.
In his address, Punjab Cabinet Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra welcomed all dignitaries to the event and paid homage to the Kargil heroes.
Earlier, the Chief Minister laid down the wreath in the memory of the martyrs to pay respect for the great sacrifice made by these sons-of the soil for their motherland. He also felicitated the family members of the martyrs.
- PTC NEWS
