In a major relief to the families of soldiers missing, disabled or killed in action, the Ministry of Defence has removed the Rs 10,000 cap on educational concession provided to the children of these soldiers.

The concession will also include clothes, books and other supplies apart from the tuition fees, reported Times Now.

In February, the defence ministry had requested the finance ministry to remove the cap of Rs 10,000 per month on educational assistance given to children of those disabled or killed in action.

On 1 July, 2017, the government had issued an order saying the assistance under the scheme cannot exceed Rs 10,000 per month, triggering widespread discontent among all the three services.

Representational image. Reuters

Representational image. Reuters

The Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC), comprising the Army, Navy and the Air Force chiefs, had also written to the defence ministry requesting it to remove the cap.

Under the scheme, which was initially rolled out in 1972, tuition fee of children of martyrs or those disabled in action were completely waived in schools, colleges and other professional educational institutions.

"The defence minister has requested the finance ministry to remove the cap. We are hoping for a favourable decision," a defence ministry source said.

Approximately 250 students were affected during the current financial year following the governments decision to cap the assistance, according to officials.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre last month had said that the annual saving on account of putting the cap would be Rs 3.20 crore per annum. He had said the highest amount drawn has been reported to be Rs 18.95 lakh per annum per student.

With inputs from PTI


Published Date: Mar 22, 2018 12:54 PM | Updated Date: Mar 22, 2018 12:54 PM