Fernandes announces Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for jawans
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, MAY 16: Conceding a long-pending demand of Indian soldiers, Defence Minister George Fernandes on Monday announced a universal ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for jawans killed in action, whether Kargil or Jammu and Kashmir.

The Government would provide an equal amount as compensation for those injured or invalidated on job, but the amount may vary depending upon the extent of injury or invalidation, the Defence Minister announced in Rajya Sabha.

Reacting to reports about war widows deserting their in-laws after receiving ex-gratia payment, Fernandes declared a monthly stipend of Rs 2000 for parents of martyrs. Government would also bear educational expenses of two children of each jawan killed in action by depositing Rs one lakh per child in the bank and use its interest on education of the child and the principal amount on his/her marriage. Martyrs' families would also be given Rs 5 lakh for constructing a house in 30 colonies to be developed at different places in the country.

Soldiers would be insured for Rs 3.80 lakh at the time of joining the services. The amount would be higher in case of officers, Fernandes said.

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