MoD to review cap on study expenses for kids of martyrs

› This is the least we can do for the children of martyrs and disabled soldiers. This order should be recalled at the earliest. AN ARMY OFFICER

NEWDELHI: The armed forces have written to the defence ministry seeking the reversal of a government order that has capped educational expenses paid to children of martyrs or disabled soldiers at ₹10,000 per month, South Block sources said.

In a letter to defence secretary Sanjay Mitra, army vice-chief Lieutenant General Sarath Chand has soughtthe removalof the ceiling on financial aid granted to the children, the sources said on Tuesday.

Talking to reporters in Ahmedabad, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman indicated that the government was going to review the decision.

The cap was imposed earlier this year following the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission report.

Defence ministry officials confirmed that the military wants the cap to be lifted and the ministry was informed of the matter.

The scheme to provide financial aid to children of martyrs was announced in December 1971, days after the Indian victory in the war with Pakistan.

“This is the least we can do for children of martyrs and disabled soldiers. This order should be recalled at the earliest,” an army officer said.

Rajy aS abh aMP Raje ev Chandrasekhar also wrote a letter to defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, urging that the order be recalled.

“The services and sacrifices of our soldiers cannot be repaid ever and it is our moral obligation to ensure their families do not face any hardships and difficulties,” he wrote.