Punjab Doubles Ex-Gratia Grant for Armed Forces Personnel in Physical Casualty Cases
The Punjab government has announced that it will double the ex-gratia grant for Armed Forces personnel in cases of physical casualty during service. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made this announcement on Wednesday during an event commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas at Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum. The grant will now be increased to Rs 25 lakh from its previous amount. Additionally, Mann stated that the ex-gratia grant for physically disabled soldiers and financial assistance to non-pensioner ex-servicemen of World War I and II would also be doubled.
Mann explained that the ex-gratia grant was previously only given to soldiers who died in battle or conflict, but now it will be extended to cases of physical casualties such as deaths caused by avalanches, accidents, heart attacks, or brain hemorrhages. This decision was made in recognition of the fact that soldiers often sacrifice their lives during the call of duty, even in such circumstances.
The Punjab government has also increased the ex-gratia for physically disabled soldiers. Soldiers with disability ranging from 76 to 100 percent will now receive Rs 40 lakh, up from Rs 20 lakh. Similarly, those with disability ranging from 51 to 75 percent will receive Rs 20 lakh instead of the previous Rs 10 lakh, and soldiers with 25 to 50 percent disability will receive Rs 10 lakh instead of Rs 5 lakh.
Furthermore, the monthly financial assistance for non-pensioner ex-servicemen of World War I and II, as well as their widows, has been increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000.
Chief Minister Mann emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of these brave soldiers and expressed his gratitude for their bravery and selfless service to the nation. He mentioned that the compensation for families of soldiers killed in action had previously been raised to Rs 1 crore.
To show his support for the Army during the Kargil War, Mann had organized a charity show in Patiala, where many artists, including himself, participated to express solidarity.
This move by the Punjab government is aimed at honoring the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel and providing them with increased support and financial assistance. It is expected to provide relief to the families of those who have lost their lives or suffered physical disabilities while serving the nation.
Keywords: Punjab government, ex-gratia grant, Armed Forces personnel, physical casualty cases, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kargil Vijay Diwas, financial assistance, physically disabled soldiers, non-pensioner ex-servicemen, World War I, World War II.
