RANCHI: Hours before taking oath as Jharkhand's fourth chief minister, Hemant Soren has decided to honor his commitment by providing Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia to the family of martyred Agniveer Arjun Mahto.
The Home Department has instructed Bokaro's deputy commissioner to expedite the process, ensuring the ex-gratia cheque and compensatory appointment letter are handed over to Mahto's dependent on Thursday at 3 PM at the Project Building.
Mahto, hailing from Fatehpur under Chandankyari police station in Bokaro district, lost his life during an encounter in Assam's Silchar District on November 21-22. His mortal remains reached his native place the following evening, coinciding with the election results announcement.
The compensation aligns with the CM-designate's September 9 resolution through the Home Department, promising adequate support to Agniveers from the state in case of supreme sacrifice.
Soren, who has been vocal in his criticism of the Agniveer scheme—a program that recruits youth for a five-year army service—had previously assured state-based Agniveers assistance in securing employment post their service completion.
The scheme, introduced by the central government, has faced scrutiny for its short-term nature. Soren's government has taken proactive steps to support these young recruits, particularly focusing on their post-service career prospects and ensuring financial security for families of those who make the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation.