Punjab hikes ex gratia for kin of fallen soldiers

CHANDIGARH:THE Punjab government has increased the ex-gratia compensation given to the next of kin of fallen soldiers.

A spokesperson of the defence services welfare department said the total amount to be paid to next of kin of soldiers killed in action has been increased to ₹50 lakh. In case of a married soldier, ₹35 lakh will be paid as ex-gratia, ₹10 lakh as additional relief to parents and ₹5 lakh as cash in lieu of plot. In case the soldier was unmarried, the next of kin will be paid ₹45 lakh as ex-gratia and ₹5 lakh as cash in lieu of plot.

The spokesperson said the amount to be paid to disabled soldiers in operations has been increased fivefold.