The State shouldn’t demoralise the troops
A cap on the education reimbursement for children of martyrs is unfair and cruel
More than 10,000 armed forces personnel died in India between 1994 and 2017, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal. Jawans across the country face threats at many levels. Apart from action on the nation’s frontiers, counter-insurgency operations across states hit by separatist movements and social unrest often leave a soldier’s family without a breadwinner. When an unknown jawan dies in action, donations flood in, memorials are planned, and fundraisers held to commemorate the martyr’s bravery. But soon the nation moves on, leaving loved ones to fight life’s everyday battles. Which is why putting a ceiling on the education expenses of the children of soldiers who are missing, disabled, or killed in action is unfair.
Naval Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba has written to defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, requesting the government to withdraw the cap of ₹10,000 that was imposed following the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission report. Previously, the children of soldiers killed in action, missing, or disabled were given a full reimbursement of tuition fees, hostel charges, and the cost of books, uniforms and clothing. The perk was introduced after the armed forces won the 1971 war which led to the creation of Bangladesh. From July 1, a cap has been imposed, which will affect 3,400-odd children of the armed forces.
Mr Lanba isn’t the only high-ranking soldier voicing concern. Army vice-chief Lieutenant General Sarath Chand has also sought the removal of this ceiling. Even outside the armed forces, concerned individuals have pitched in to express solidarity with the families of martyrs. The ministry should seriously consider the naval chief’s appeal. The gesture will boost the morale of the armed forces. A gesture to convey the country’s gratitude and support towards the children and widows of soldiers killed in the war may cost the exchequer a few crores, but discontinuing it sends out a wrong and demoralising message.