In a move to bolster the welfare of soldiers and their families, the Chhattisgarh government has approved a series of enhancements to financial assistance programs. Key decisions were made during a State Military Board meeting presided over by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The meeting saw the ex-gratia amount for the families of soldiers martyred in war or military operations increased from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Further, those awarded the Param Vir Chakra will now receive Rs 1 crore, up from the previous Rs 40 lakh. The meeting also addressed other welfare initiatives.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to honor the valor and sacrifice of the soldiers who ensure the safety of 140 crore citizens. Other decisions included increasing the Jang-e-Inam (war award) for soldiers’ parents from Rs 5,000 per year to Rs 20,000 per year. The grant for soldiers disabled in war or military operations was increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. Furthermore, a decision was made to provide a stamp duty exemption of up to Rs 25 lakh for the first land/house purchase by serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, and widows.