November 21, 2019

Topic: Pensions and Benefits to martyrs’ families

News:-

• The state government is planning to increase the monetary benefits to the deceased soldiers’ families.
• The government is thinking of enhancing the monetary benefits to the next of kin ( a person’s closest living relative or relatives) of the martyred soldiers.
•  Presently, the amount given to the relatives of the soldiers is Rupees 12 lakhs.

The amount of benefits is likely to be increased to rupees 1 crore, where:-

1. Rupees 75 lakh would be given to the wife of the martyred soldier.
2. And the parents would be provided with the number of rupees 25 lakh.

At present, the breakup of rupees 12 lakh is in the form of:-

• Ex – gratia benefit of rupees 5 lakh is given.
• Rupees 5 lakh in lieu of a plot of land is given.
• Rupees 2 lakh is given to parents.

Apart from the increased monetary benefits, a member of the aggrieved family would also be provided with a government job on compassionate grounds.

Issues with the distribution of the benefits:-

1. Many families of soldiers, who had martyred in 1965 and 1971 wars, have not received any benefits.
2. Also, the provision of giving a plot of land also exists. But, the scarcity of land has made the availability of the plots of land an issue.
3. Some potential beneficiaries also claim that the benefits are being provided with respect to the inflation and other rates which existed in the 1970s.

So, the rates are supposed to be revised.

• The policy of giving land to the beneficiaries was introduced in 1975.
• Now due to the scarcity of land, this Policy needs revision.
• So, a comprehensive policy is needed to be brought in which all the needs of the families of the martyred soldiers could be met.

(Source:- The Tribune news)

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