CENTRE LIFTS CAP ON ₹10,000 AID TO MARTYRS’ CHILDREN

NEW DELHI: The government has withdrawn a controversial order that capped educational aid to children of martyred and disabled soldiers at ₹10,000 per month last year through an order issued by the finance ministry.

“Educational concession will continue without cap of ₹10,000 per month,” the March 21 order stated. The move will benefit over 3,200 students.

The government had faced a backlash after the defence ministry instructed the three chiefs and the coast guard head in a letter dated September 13, 2017, that the combined amount of tuition fees and hostel charges for such wards be restricted to ₹10,000 per month. The new order said the educational concession will be admissible for pursuing studies in government and governmentaided educational institutions. It can also be availed for studying in military/sainik schools and other educational institutions recognised by the central and state governments (including autonomous organisations financed by the administration).

“By removing the cap, the government has restored the faith of families left behind in the system. We know we are not alone. The country is with us,” said Captain Shalini Singh (retd), whose husband — Major Avinash Singh Bhadauria — was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra in 2001. Their son is pursuing a course in engineering. “This is the least we, as a country, can do for the children of our bravehearts,” said a senior army officer.

The government spends over ₹15 crore on the scheme annually. “The defence ministry persuaded the finance ministry twice in this regard,” a defence ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

The cap was imposed in keeping with recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission last year. The defence ministry re-examined the matter and reached out to the finance ministry after the armed forces wrote to it.