PUNE: The ministry of defence on Wednesday doubled the monthly grant it gives to gallantry award winners.
It means that 194 awardees and their family members in the state will benefit from the decision. A copy of the notification issued by the ministry in this regard has been accessed by TOI.
A Param Vir Chakra awardee, who used to get Rs 10,000, will now get Rs 20,000. Similarly, post-independence gallantry awardees of Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and the Sena Medal will get double the grant with effect from August 1, 2017, the notification states.
Col Suhas Jatkar (retd), director of Maharashtra Sainik Welfare Board, said, "It's a welcome decision as these revered veterans will not only get mere recognition but also monetary benefits which is needed in the current socio-economic condition."
As per MSWB data, the state has one Param Vir Chakra awardee, Rama Raghoba Rane, who played a key role in capturing Rajouri during the 1947 Indo-Pak war. His valour helped clear the way for advancing Indian tanks.
Lt Gen B T Pandit (retd), a Vir Chakra awardee for his exceptional bravery displayed in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, said, "It's a positive step, but at the same time, one must understand that the allowances under the 7th pay commission have been increased more than double. I feel that the government could have applied the same formula in this case also."
Lt Gen D B Shekatkar, who has vast experience in counter insurgency operations in North-East and Jammu & Kashmir, said, "Any nation should recognise the sacrifice and valour of the martyrs and serving soldiers who give their best for the nation during war and operations. The decision is positive and in the right direction and needs to be complimented."
It means that 194 awardees and their family members in the state will benefit from the decision. A copy of the notification issued by the ministry in this regard has been accessed by TOI.
A Param Vir Chakra awardee, who used to get Rs 10,000, will now get Rs 20,000. Similarly, post-independence gallantry awardees of Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and the Sena Medal will get double the grant with effect from August 1, 2017, the notification states.
Col Suhas Jatkar (retd), director of Maharashtra Sainik Welfare Board, said, "It's a welcome decision as these revered veterans will not only get mere recognition but also monetary benefits which is needed in the current socio-economic condition."
As per MSWB data, the state has one Param Vir Chakra awardee, Rama Raghoba Rane, who played a key role in capturing Rajouri during the 1947 Indo-Pak war. His valour helped clear the way for advancing Indian tanks.
Lt Gen B T Pandit (retd), a Vir Chakra awardee for his exceptional bravery displayed in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, said, "It's a positive step, but at the same time, one must understand that the allowances under the 7th pay commission have been increased more than double. I feel that the government could have applied the same formula in this case also."
Lt Gen D B Shekatkar, who has vast experience in counter insurgency operations in North-East and Jammu & Kashmir, said, "Any nation should recognise the sacrifice and valour of the martyrs and serving soldiers who give their best for the nation during war and operations. The decision is positive and in the right direction and needs to be complimented."
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