DCs to release ₹50-lakh on basis of media reports

The power to sanction exgratia grants has been delegated to deputy commissioners in the state to cut delay in official formalities A GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

CHANDIGARH : The Haryana government has empowered deputy commissioners (DCs) to release Rs 50-lakh ex-gratia grant to the famillies of army or paramilitary personnel killed in action, on the basis of media reports.

The government took the decision in this regard to ensure speedy financial relief to the next of kin of the slain soldiers, a government spokesperson said.

The decision was taken in the wake of defence and para-military authorities taking some time to issue documentation in cases of death due to enemy action, terrorist encounters and IED blasts.

“The power to sanction ex gratia was delegated to DCs to cut delay in official formalities,” the spokesperson said. “The state government has, therefore, decided to release ex-gratia financial grants in cases of martyrdom which are widely reported in national media and where the facts are self-evident.”

In such cases, the state government has decided not to wait for issue of documents from military and paramilitary authorities and release the financial assistance immediately.

Haryana gives Rs 50-lakh financial compensation to the family of a soldier killed in action at the borders, during internal security duties or terrorist action. The state has around 3 lakh ex-servicemen and their dependents’ number is about 8.75 lakh. Besides, there are 1,216 war widows, 85,121 widows and their 2,48,099 dependents. There are also 5,500 World War II veterans and widows.

The spokesperson said that since November 2014, the state government offered over 120 jobs to the next of kin of martyrs.