Pension to widows of cops killed by militants restored

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday restored the special family pension for widows of government employees killed by militants, and also agreed to extend the Red Card scheme to families of police personnel killed during the era of militancy in the state.

The special pension scheme was revoked by the previous Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in 2016 and Captain Amarinder had promised to restore after the Congress’ return to power in the state.

The CM made the announcement on the eve of the Martyrs Day’ at the Punjab Police headquarters here.

He also announced that the pension under the scheme will be made available to a widow till her death as against the earlier provision of stopping it if she goes for remarriage.

Acceding to a request from the families of the police martyrs, the CM assured them that they would also get the Red Cards, so far being issued only to civilian victims of terrorism, with immediate effect.

Noting that the Punjab Police had a history of gallantry and sacrifice, Amarinder said Punjab had witnessed a tough phase during militancy and peace was restored after great sacrifices.

Amarinder also promised martyrs’ families that their demand for posting of their children, recruited in the armed police, near their home districts will be sympathetically considered by the government.

The special family pension, for which necessary directions have already been issued to the DGP, will be given to widows or mothers of deceased government employees killed by or during action against extremists, he said.

Amarinder said the pension amount will be equal to the last pay drawn at the time of the death of the personnel, said the chief minister, adding that the widows of the martyrs “are a part of our family and it is our duty to take care of them.”

‘ETERNAL FLAME’ ON MARTYRS’ DAY

While offering tributes to the martyrs of the police force, the CM also lit an “eternal flame”, besides interacting with families of martyrs.

Pointing out that the state has a total of 1,600 martyrs, including SPOs and Home Guards, he reiterated his government’s commitment to the welfare of the force and their families, including the families of martyrs.

He said the Martyrs’ Memorial built at the entrance of Punjab Police headquarters is a humble tribute to the memory of martyrs.

Punjab police have a history of gallantry and sacrifice... The state witnessed a tough phase during militancy, and peace was restored after great sacrifices. CAPT AMARINDER SINGH, chief minister